The Golden State Warriors made a smart decision in signing guard Jordan Poole to an extension this offseason.
But, they knew there would still be growing pains for the 23-year-old.
It just so happens they are experiencing those pains now with the rate Poole is turning the ball over.
Poole has vaulted into a lead role with Stephen Curry on the sideline.
He has become the go-to ball handler and leading scorer over that period.
But, his rate of turnovers has become a problem for Golden State.
Poole leads the NBA with 138 turnovers this season, his 3.5 turnovers per game are the ninth worst in the NBA as well.
While turnovers are to be expected with the usage Poole is getting, it is the costly end-of-game ones that hurt the most.
But, the veteran Warriors players all have Poole’s back.
Draymond on Jordan Poole’s turnovers.
He has 46 in the last nine games. pic.twitter.com/gzKqmYm0VR
— Jason Dumas (@JDumasReports) January 3, 2023
For the Warriors to repeat as NBA champions, Poole must play a big part.
The experience he is getting in the starting lineup without Curry and Andrew Wiggins will be valuable come playoff time.
Poole will most likely be asked to carry the bench unit, once Golden State gets back to full strength.
Klay Thompson talked to Jordan Poole postgame about the late turnover: “I told him there’s a reason I threw him the ball…He’s a clutch player.”
Full Klay soundbite on the difficulty absorbing early career mistakes pic.twitter.com/NeY9EHhTC0
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 5, 2023
The Warriors veterans know they need Poole to stay aggressive to continue having success as a team.
For the Warriors to continue to support Poole should pay dividends for them later in the season.
He should feel confident to play his game and not shy away due to his turnover issues.
Poole will remain a big reason why the Warriors have success this season, and his teammates having his back is crucial.
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