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Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole is enjoying a breakout campaign for the best team in the NBA, averaging 18.1 points, 3.4 assists and 3.3 rebounds in 30.1 minutes per game. Poole has also started 28 out of 30 games after playing primarily a bench role in his first two seasons in the NBA.
The 22-year-old has actually come off the bench the last two games after returning from health and safety protocols, and he'll continue to be a key reserve when Klay Thompson returns. That return could happen this weekend when the Warriors face the Cleveland Cavaliers.
How does Poole feel about returning to a bench role after getting the taste of starting? The Warriors youngster has the right mindset, via Anthony Slater and Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic:
“I was always a whatever-the-team-needs type of player,” he said. “I know what I bring to the table.”
Who is taking his starting spot also matters. It’s a Hall of Famer, franchise legend and mentor who Poole tries to shoot alongside any chance he gets.
“Right. Right,” Poole said. “Shit, we winning games, to be honest. It hasn’t been talked about much. We know he coming back. We know we got games tomorrow and the day after that. I haven’t really thought about it too much. I know what I bring to the table. I know I can impact the game.
“I had a big impact last year in the back half of the season coming off the bench. I don’t know, bro. We were not good my first couple years. Now we’re (29-7) or whatever. You kind of just ride that wave. Ride that wave. Anything can change for anybody at any time. Injuries, rotation, minutes, anything is possible. Whatever opportunity I’m given, I need to make it work.”
Poole certainly made his presence felt off the bench in a win over the Miami Heat on Monday. The Warriors guard poured in 32 points on 12-of-17 shooting in 26 minutes, helping Golden State move to 29-7 on a night where Stephen Curry was awful. Curry shot just 3-of-17 overall and 1-of-10 from 3-point range, but he was picked up by Poole and Andrew Wiggins.
Even when Thompson returns, the Warriors will bring him back slowly, so Poole will still get plenty of opportunities. As long as he continues to make the most of those opportunities, he'll be a key player for the Dubs as they try to win another title.
