Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole had a career night in his squad’s win against the Pelicans on Friday, scoring 38 points along with six assists and four rebounds. After the game, coach Steve Kerr was clearly impressed, saying he envisioned Poole as his sixth man next season.
It was indeed the sort of performance from Poole that demanded attention. He appears ready to take the next step in his career and help the Warriors get back to the NBA Finals in the coming seasons. Plus, Poole’s rise in Golden State’s ranks have come while he’s just 21 years of age, and his stat line on Friday rekindled memories of another breakout Warriors star, guard Gilbert Arenas.
This tweet takes me back. Arenas was a second-round pick out of Arizona and took the league by storm in a Warriors uniform. Unfortunately for the Warriors, however, he was so good that the Wizards (ironically) could swoop in an sign him to a multi-year deal after just two years in Golden State, thanks to different contract rules at the time.
Times are different now, though. Poole is a late first round choice and is in Golden State to stay. He was scintillating on Friday — just as he he’s been for most of the time since his stint in the G-League bubble earlier this season.
Warriors general manager Bob Myers really nailed this selection. Poole’s rookie season was uneven at best, but he’s certainly smoothed his game out nicely. At just 21 years of age, he’s solidifying his role on a team with championship aspirations, and that’s more than Arenas could ever say.
(Photo courtesy Wikipedia Commons; Keith Allison)
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