Jordan Poole Shows Out Amid Off-Court Drama

Despite all the hoop-la and media circus surrounding the Golden State Warriors the past week, Warriors guard Jordan Poole entered the Chase Center on Oct. 9 just like any other game day. Like a professional, he tuned out the noise and went to work against the Los Angeles Lakers. Poole torched the Lakers on a 10-for-19 shooting performance and cashed in three 3-pointers en-route to 25 points. 

“There’s a reason he’s in this position, about to sign a big extension hopefully,” Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr said. “He’s tough. Mentally tough and physically tough.” 

Throughout all the drama, Poole continued to show his poise as a 23-year old. Even with the debacle on the fateful October 5th practice, Poole finished his workout like he would normally. 

Except, this past week has been anything but normal. 

Warriors forward Draymond Green inexcusably rocked Poole in practice, which shocked the Warriors organization and the NBA world. The debate over whom the Warriors should extend this offseason landed on one factor —  Green and his ego. 

Throughout the offseason, Green made it known publicly that he believes he deserves the max contract, even though he knows exactly what financial situation the Warriors are in. Regardless of Green’s net worth at a little over $50 million and having a variety of endorsement deals with companies such as TNT and Major League Fantasy, Green still demanded the max contract. 

The “so-called” leader forced Warriors management to choose between Poole and Green, which would be a tough decision for any general manager. 

Do you go with the player who has been a cornerstone of the franchise and has earned every right to demand a max contract, even with his declining age and production? Or do you go the safe route, and choose the rising star, who has so much untapped potential? Poole demonstrated why the Warriors should choose him over Green versus the Lakers. 

Even though it was a pre-season game, the stakes were very high. 

The Warriors are always under a microscope, whether they like it or not. It comes with the territory of playing on a team that won three championships in five years, had one of the best teams assembled in NBA history and has the greatest shooter the game has ever seen. 

So for Poole to lace up his sneakers and showcased his offensive bag in an otherwise unfortunate situation, it only proved that Poole should be given the extension. A mixed variety of teardrops, finishes around the rim and his usual 3-point shooting was on full display.

Additionally, this game revealed a potential hidden secret weapon for the Warriors — a two-man game with Poole and Warriors center James Wiseman. While Poole stepped up to start in place of Klay Thompson, he was determined to find Wiseman coming off the bench and had six assists, several of which, Wiseman was the beneficiary. 

Poole was the ultimate professional versus the Lakers. He didn’t whine, complain or throw a hissy-fit. Instead, he went to work, like any other day, and put up a masterful performance. 

(Photo credit: Ringo H.W. Chiu / Associated Press)