After watching Jordan Poole drop at least 30 points in consecutive contests for the first time in his career, Klay Thompson had to show his fellow Warriors shooting guard some props Monday night.
Every rookie has a “vet” to help guide them in the locker room and it appears Thompson has been helping Poole every step of the way during his three years in the NBA. In his press conference Tuesday, Thompson went into detail about what it’s been like to watch Poole’s evolution.
“That man is an incredible offensive player and his defense is coming along,” Thompson said. “It makes me proud to see. He reminds me of myself when I was in my younger years as well with the way he reacts emotionally to missing shots or after having a bad game. You can tell it really bothered him. You like to see that as a vet because it means a guy really cares about his craft. He would have an off-shooting night his rookie year and he would put up hundreds of shots after the game. That just shows you he wants to be great and I’m so proud of him. He’s an incredible, incredible player.”
Coach Steve Kerr said he hasn’t spent much time thinking about rotations for Thompson’s impending return -- seeing as it is still a few weeks away. The Warriors are being cautious with Thompson as he builds up his conditioning following major injuries to his ACL and Achilles the past two seasons.
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When Thompson does return, he figures to reclaim his starting role in the backcourt alongside Steph Curry. Poole could be an absolute powder keg off the bench for Golden State’s second unit -- adding credence to Thompson's belief the Warriors have the depth to win another title.
Poole has been streaky, but is setting career highs in points per game (18.4) and field-goal percentage (45.8). He received praise from coach Steve Kerr and Draymond Green recently for his improving shot selection, as he needed just 13 shots to record 33 points against the Raptors Sunday.
“I’ve had a really close look at what Jordan’s been doing the past few years,” Thompson said. “Jordan came in as a rookie who had a crazy amount of energy, who had a lot of sauce to his game and just needed to harness it a little bit. Just to see his growth as a player, it’s incredible. He’s playing way above where he was picked at -- what [28]? He’s looking like he should have been a lotto pick.”
