ESPN article on Poole's development with the Warriors
It's a long but interesting article.
• questions for his 3 seasons as a pro: "During Poole's rookie season in 2019-20, his primary question was: How do I get on the floor? Last season, it was: How do I stay on the floor? This season? How do I impact the playoffs?"
• dedicated work with an assistant coach during the pandemic, just the two of them in a practice gym.
• NINE months of frustration, F-bombs, and kicking balls into the gym's stands.
• Acceptance and help from the older guys, especially Curry and Green.
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33839330/inside-jordan-poole-ascension-golden-state-warriors
He belongs
His rise has been mesmerizing but also methodical. Among the worst players in the NBA in some metrics his rookie year, his progression from decent G-league player to dominating, then being a decent bench player to starter level and finally dominating in the playoffs.... is almost unthinkable.
For example, earlier this year he was playing decent, but a veteran teammate said the next step in his game was to get to the free throw line.
Literally the next game Poole started getting a ton more foul shots.
He has an intangible confidence factor to him right now as well. He has brought the team back many times with back to back 3 pointers or a driving to the hoop with a fearless attitude then the very next play steal the ball and convert an easy fast break bucket in the last series vs Denver alone.
Steph Curry is literally rubbing off on him and you can see as he is making these electric plays, he's getting the crowd into it and the synergy of the energy he provides and feeds off of is just amazing to watch.
In terms of foul shots? Yeah, you are correct, and it doesn't hurt his % from the line was a league best either..
I haven't watched much of Poole in the NBA (or really the NBA at all) recently but I did watch the extended highlights of the game last night. He looked silky smooth on offense, and his movement and passing stood out the most. He did seem to be getting roasted on D and does not seem to have the lateral quickness to stay with really anybody off the dribble. The NBA is really back full throttle to being a scorer's league now so it doesn't end up being too glaring but he did not look like he could guard anybody.
To be fair, very few people can stay with elite NBA guards for more than one dribble. In fact, I can't think of any off the top of my head.
Curry did, right after Poole could not. But that is the advantage Poole has. He is playing behind great guards and he will be a sponge. I’m guessing his defense will improve just be way of who he plays against every day.
He’s not a great defender. But he’s not bad at all if you watch a bit more of the NBA. He’s definitely way ahead of how good he was in college on that end of the floor.
His switch from his left to right on the dribble and blowing right past guys is really impressive. Even if the defender knows it’s coming he can’t react fast enough.
And multiple pool parties.
"I've always made people eat their words," Poole said. "I never went to the media and said anything about anybody else. I just shut up, take it all in and let my game do the talking. It feels a lot better. Oh, my god, it feels so good."
Great, hardworking dude who was absolutely right to go pro when he did. Love the success he's having.
Speaking of hard work, how many of us would spend NINE months of frustration trying to improve?
Especially with no guarantee the improvement would come?
Dude was snubbed of most improved.
100%. Ja is a great player but to compare his rise to Poole's is just not even close. Ja definitely got better but nowhere near the level of improvement that Poole has shown this year. Maybe it's the homer in me but I can't think of a player of recent years that has improved as much as Poole has in 1 year of play in the NBA and he still didn't get the award. He was relatively unknown to the average fan and he's on his way to being a household name now if not already thanks to his insane playoff production.
It’s always fun to see one of our own break out. Articles like this make it even sweeter - struggling then overcoming then excelling. Great story