The Golden State Warriors are planning to send rookie guard Jordan Poole on assignment to the Santa Cruz Warriors of the G League, according to Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area.
The franchise had been gearing up to do so, with the latest sign a DNP-coach's decision on Monday against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Poole, who was drafted with the 28th overall pick ahead of other talents like Keldon Johnson (29th to San Antonio Spurs) and Kevin Porter Jr. (30th traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers). Not to mention Poole went well ahead of the Warriors' last selection in No. 41 Eric Paschall, who has been the team's best pick thus far.
The rookie out of Michigan seemed like a reach on draft night after many had him as a mid-second-round prospect. The Warriors saw a potent shooter with elite potential — yet none of that has really showed through the first quarter of the season.
Poole has been erratic at best and truthfully disappointing despite a bevy of opportunities early on. He's averaging 7.9 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists through 24 minutes per game, but he's shooting a hideous 25.8% from the field and 24.6% from deep — two major disappointments for a player who was drafted due to his shooting prowess.
Poole has struggled to find his rhythm, taking ill-advised shots and lacking the confidence to cash in when open, at times doubting his own abilities. He has yet to show any other dependable ability, with subpar defense and underdeveloped playmaking, something the Warriors had hoped he'd develop with more opportunities.
The 20-year-old has had those opportunities, favored by the sheer lack of bodies head coach Steve Kerr has had available to him through the initial stretch to an injury-plagued 2019-20 season, but Poole hasn't made the most of them. This G League assignment is a last resort hope for Poole to find his groove as the Warriors get ready to welcome Damion Lee back from a hand injury.
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