Even before the start of the season, Jordan Poole was expected to take on a bigger role for the Golden State Warriors, as Klay Thompson continues to recuperate from his two-year absence. Clearly, Poole did that and more.

The Warriors guard is one of the contenders for the Most Improved Player of the Year trophy, hiking up his numbers across the board. More importantly, he has helped the Warriors to a resurgent campaign, even with Thompson missing half of the season.

When Thompson made his much-awaited return, Poole slid back to his off-the-bench role. While some players might consider it a demotion, the former Michigan standout gladly ceded his starting spot. Per the report of NBC Sports Bay Area, it wasn't a difficult decision to make for Poole, especially since he's idolized Thompson since high school.

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“For me personally, being the team player that I am and the playmaker, I love seeing other people have a great game or go nuts. That's something that kind of stuck with me since I was young. Seeing him dominate the way he did and help us win that game, it was amazing to feel, amazing to be a part of. I was in high school not too long ago watching these guys win championship after championship, so it feels amazing to be a part of and I just really wanted to show him I'm lil' bro and I'm watching and I'm a fan for sure.”

Despite re-joining the second unit, Poole has still put up huge numbers for the Warriors. And with Stephen Curry still sidelined, he'll continue to carry a heavy load. Doing it alongside Thompson doesn't hurt.