Jordan Poole, the Golden State Warriors guard, has fallen short of expectations during the 2022-23 NBA season. After an exceptional 2021-22 season, which included a historic playoff debut, Poole has struggled to find shots and make an impact in the postseason. However, despite a disappointing season and increased attention stemming from his preseason altercation with Draymond Green, Warriors superstar Stephen Curry believes the franchise’s future lies ahead and believes that Poole is the key to their success.
During an interview with ‘The Ringer”s Logan Murdoch after Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinals, Curry told him how Golden State can bridge the gap between the team’s current core and an uncertain future. “He’s the key,” Curry said, pointing to Poole’s locker. Warriors fans will find this statement significant, especially given the reported circumstances of the Warriors’ two-timeline approach, which has been divisive this season.
According to Murdoch, Golden State’s younger players have complained that they did not get enough opportunities during a season when the veterans struggled, while veterans wondered why their old stories didn’t resonate. Despite this tense atmosphere, Poole has averaged 17.0 points per game while shooting 50.8 percent from the field and 39.1 percent from 3-point range during the 2021-22 NBA season. In the playoffs, Poole’s productivity decreased, averaging 10.3 points per game, 34.1% shooting from the field and 25.4% shooting from 3-point range. This decline saw Poole’s playoff minutes reduced, and his locker room encounter with the media after Game 4 of the semifinals was tense, leaving Burke to note that he was very frustrated.
While the season has had its fair share of conflicts, Poole still has excellent potential, which was evident in his performance during Game 5, where he scored 11 points. Poole says he is happy with some aspects of the 2022-23 season, despite the conflicts. Warriors see Poole as Curry’s successor, and he still has that ability, which is why he sees no reason for Golden State to trade him. Poole believes that if the Warriors don’t want their dynasty to end, they must believe in tomorrow’s future, and he is ready to lead the charge.