The Golden State Warriors' title defense last season fell short as they exited the playoffs after just two rounds. Among the contributing factors to their disappointment was the underwhelming postseason performance of scoring guard Jordan Poole.
The Warriors lacked off-the-dribble creation from players other than Stephen Curry, and Poole seemed like the best candidate to address that gap. However, his inefficiency on offense, shooting poorly from all areas of the court (34.1% FG, 25.4% 3PT, 76.5% FT), made it difficult to overlook his defensive struggles.
Considering the need to restructure the team around Curry, trading Poole appears to be a logical option. However, there is hesitancy within the organization to move him due to his age (23), potential for growth, scoring ability, and concerns about diminishing his trade value.
Ultimately, the league's evaluation of Poole will play a significant role. Will another team view him as a valuable asset for their offense? He showcased promising skills during the regular season, averaging a career-best 20.4 points per game and demonstrating his ball-handling, pull-up shooting, and creativity around the rim. However, his recently signed four-year, $128 million extension, which begins next season, makes him an expensive gamble for any team to acquire.
Parting ways with Poole would not benefit the Warriors. They would not only have to find a replacement for his production but also maximize the salary slot he occupies. With budget constraints tightening around their aging core, every dollar spent matters. While Curry remains capable of leading a championship-caliber team, the Warriors have evident work to do in elevating the rest of the roster to championship-contending level.
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