Following “Role Models” Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson’s Footsteps Helped Jordan Poole Blossom, Claims Warriors HC

Jordan Poole’s first season away from the Golden State Warriors has been a roller coaster of emotions. After spending 4 seasons with the Warriors and winning his first Championship, Poole got a huge responsibility to run his own team in Washington. However, Poole’s performance as the star of the Wizards has been highly inconsistent. He plays like an All-Star on some days and embarrasses himself on others. Many have even critiqued his casual approach towards the game.

Amid Poole’s shaky first year in Washington, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr revealed what helped him blossom and stay consistent in Golden State. “We felt like we had really good role models for him.” Kerr believed the influence of veteran players like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson helped Poole understand his responsibility and work on his craft. The Warriors head coach revealed he showed Poole clips of young Steph and Klay to show how they improved their game over the years. Kerr claimed Poole got a healthy environment in Golden State to learn from the veterans and play the right way.

Kerr also admired Jordan Poole’s work ethic during his time with the Warriors, “He was in the gym more than anybody.” Poole’s growth in Golden State was commendable. His numbers improved every season, and he developed a clutch gene, just like his predecessors Steph and Klay. Poole played a huge role in helping the Warriors win a Championship in 2022. He averaged an incredible 17 points, 3.8 assists, and 2.8 rebounds during the 2022 playoffs.

Can Jordan Poole return to his former self in Washington?

A major reason for Jordan Poole’s success in Golden State was that he was not the primary focus for opponents during games. So, Poole could do his thing while defenders worried about Steph and Klay. Unfortunately, Poole does not have that liberty in Washington. Even though Poole is the captain of the ship in Washington and has the ultimate green light, his numbers have decreased drastically from last season. Poole is averaging 16.1 points, 3.7 assists, and 2.5 rebounds, significantly lower than his average with the Warriors during his final season.

Read More: “Meant So Much to Me”: Klay Thompson Draws Lifelong Inspiration From 3X NBA Champion Amid Bench Role With Warriors

Going to Washington might have helped Poole realize how hard it is to perform when you are the best player on a team. Although Poole’s Wizards tenure has had a shaky start, he has enough time to turn things around. Poole is a talented young player who is only 24 years old. If he gets his head back in the game and focuses on winning basketball rather than making flashy plays, he could reach his true potential and become a franchise player in Washington.