Editor's note: Amid the current climate, it's looking increasingly likely we'll be away from basketball for the foreseeable future. In the meantime, NBC Sports Bay Area will take a look at each player on the Warriors' roster and examine how their performance will fit with the roster long term. First up is rookie guard Jordan Poole.
In need of scoring, the Warriors used the No. 28 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft to select Jordan Poole, who was expected to make an impact right away. Those hopes didn't come to fruition early on, as Poole struggled from the field.
Here's everything you need to know about the Michigan product's rookie season with Golden State.
Contract
2 years / $4,028,040 (with options for the 2021-22, 2022-23 seasons).
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Last season
Poole's rookie campaign started slow. Through his first 19 games, he shot just 27 percent from the field. Poole's struggles came as he was put into the starting lineup following Steph Curry's hand injury. During his initial stint as a starter, Warriors coach Steve Kerr admitted that the rookie was losing confidence.
As a result, Poole was banished to the G League, averaging 26 points on 46 percent from the field. Nonetheless, any question about his struggles would elicit the same response.
Poole's defiance paid off following the All-Star break as the rookie routinely put together double-digit scoring outputs. Over his last nine games, he averaged 14.1 points, including a 17-point performance against the Los Angeles Clippers in what might be the season finale.
In all, he showed signs of progress following a disappointing start to his rookie season, which should bode well whenever the Warriors return to the floor.
Outlook
Golden State Warriors
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In order to build on his late-season performance, Poole will have to improve his defense and strength. Moreover, he has to continue to change his mindset.
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Just before his G League stint, Kerr encouraged his rookie to watch film of Clippers guard Landry Shamet and Pelicans shooting guard J.J. Redick. The sentiment behind the message was to encourage Poole to snap out of his habit of standing around in Golden State's motion offense. During the onset of the season, Poole's stagnant off-ball mindset frustrated the coaching staff.
Upon return, Poole took heed to Kerr's message, often leading the offensive attack as injuries mounted again. If he can continue his current trajectory, he has a chance to be a contributor next season.
