Jordan Poole is vital to the Warriors’ repeat plan

Golden State Warriors scoring guard Jordan Poole is eligible for a rookie scale extension. The two sides have until October 17 to agree to a new deal. If the two sides do not work something out until then, then Poole will be a restricted free agent next summer.

Poole is coming off his best season of his career helping the Warriors to win the 2022 NBA title. The Dubs will likely want to see even more growth from the Michigan product entering the 2022-23 season.

“There is no ceiling, so when people talk about ceilings, I don’t think there is one,” Poole said during the Warriors’ Media Day. “You can always get better at something, on the court, off the court, individually, personally.”

Regarding his improvement, Steve Kerr noted that Poole has the potential to become a two-way presence, so the area he should improve will have to be in the defensive side of the ball.

Being alongside players like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, the growth in the offensive end is mostly a given for the scoring guard. The challenge for him will be to show improvement in the defensive end, per Steve Kerr.

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“I thought last year in the playoffs when he was fully engaged and really playing with physicality, he showed he can be a legit two-way player, but he knows he hasn’t become that consistently. And so, that’s the next step for Jordan.”

Unless something drastic happens, Poole is slotted in as the permanent Sixth Man in Golden State this season, allowing coach Steve Kerr another weapon to run the offense through when Steph Curry and Klay Thompson are out of the game.

In any case, Poole addressed the looming decision to extend his contract with the team. The 23-years-old guard has made it clear that his approach won’t change, even if he does not reach to an agreement with the franchise until October 17.

“We did what we needed to do last year. Got a championship as a team, and obviously that’s something that’s out there, but I’m going to let my reps handle that,” Poole said in the Warriors’ media day.

I have confidence that we’ll work something out. I’m just here to play basketball and excited to be back with the team.”

Poole, as of now, is set to make just over $3.9 million this upcoming season. He’s expected to receive more than 100$ million on a potential extension now or the upcoming summer. Draymond Green, Curry and Thompson are due to earn a combined $122.7 million — $3.5 million over the total projected salary cap for this season.

Poole also can be the insurance Golden State needs as their big three of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green is entering the last part of their illustrious career. The Dubs are trying to build for the future while they are remaining a championship contender.

“We just won a championship. You know, being able to just to experience that in Year 3, and be a really big part to that, really big key, it’s a really exciting feeling, and I’m really excited to see if we can get back to that and embrace that and experience that one more time,” Poole said.

The Warriors have until Oct. 17 to reach a rookie contract extension with Poole, or else the 23-year-old guard will enter next summer as a restricted free agent. Golden State will have the chance to match any offer, but agreeing with him now could be an important factor in the team’s future.

Aside from Poole, Andrew Wiggins will be a free agent next summer, while Draymond Green can opt out of his deal and also become a free agent summer. It remains to be seen if the Warriors can find a way to keep them all in the roster.

 

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