Oh what a season it's been for the Golden State Warriors. Especially for backup shooting guard Jordan Poole. Jordan busted out onto the scene last season and helped the Warriors to their 4th championship within this dynasty run.
Now that Jordan Poole got his big payday, his attitude and persona has significantly changed. The fight with Draymond Green surely affected this season but it doesn't excuse his stats, game play and shot selection.
To say that Jordan drowned in his own Poole this season is fair to say. His decision-making, his inefficiency to run the offense and try to create shots like Stephen Curry didn't bode well most games.
It was great when teams didn't know how to gameplan to play against you. It's a different game when teams have guys to guard you in a halfcourt defensive set.
You can tell the chemistry between Poole and his teammates declined. It's been interesting to watch on national TV but I can only imagine what it was like behind closed doors of the Chase Center where the Warriors practice and play their games.
Poole's ego has gotten in the way so bad, the silent leader in Stephen Curry had to give a speech before Game 7 against the Sacramento Kings in the first round and say to his teammates, I can deliver this win but this has to be a mission as a team and not with an ego. That if everyone gets on this bus to go 90 miles to Sacramento they're ready to go. Not the exact quote but something close to it.
As the playoffs progressed, Poole's minutes declined, his shot wasn't falling and his answers to the media were vague. It's been more of a soap opera with the Warriors in some instances and Jordan played a role in that.
The reality of this is, Jordan got a little ahead of himself. His play last season got to his head, the money, the fame and he felt he was the new sheriff in town. He forgot that Steph, Klay and Dray won three championships before he came along.
Jordan forgot that, this isn't his team, he just plays a role on it. It's fair to say that it was all-business with Draymond Green this year, I've been in positions where I've had to "tolerate" a coworker for the benefit of "the team" and "getting the job done." It's just harder and more challenging when it comes to professional sports.
Chemistry matters along with camaraderie and at the end of the day, Steph and Klay are rolling with the man who gets them the ball and anchors the defense in Draymond Green. They've got 10 years and four rings together.
At this point, Jordan has to save himself from the drowning in his own Poole. He has to look in the mirror and take accountability on his part. There also needs to be a conversation with Draymond Green and hashing out their issues if this team is going to move forward.
The future is uncertain for Poole at this point. No one knows if Poole will be back next season or if he will be traded. A lot of people are calling for him to be moved, especially if Steph, Klay and Dray have a few more years left to chase championships in a tough Western Conference.
Poole's contract is hefty and teams may look at that, plus his dismal shooting and pass. Maybe there's a team willing to take a chance on a guy like Jordan Poole. He's talented, his IQ and decision-making just has to get better, he hasn't fully adjusted to how teams are guarding him. That will be the difference maker in whether Jordan becomes great or just stays where he is.
When one of the best players in NBA history looks at your locker while talking to the media about what's going to be the difference in what happens next season, you know it's time to grow up. Until then, Jordan has to save himself from drowning in his own Poole. Pride and ego ruins many great things in life, especially career situations where you have it good...
