Despite being teammates for three seasons, Jordan Poole and Klay Thompson have only played 30 games together, so they’re still figuring out their on-court chemistry. Following Saturday’s intense 111-107 comeback win over the Utah Jazz, the two Warriors guards shared a big hug on the floor at Chase Center.
Poole has arrived this season but there’s still plenty of room to develop. Warriors coach Steve joined 95.7 The Game’s “Damon & Ratto” Tuesday to discuss Poole’s ascension and what he needs to do in order to become an All-Star. Check out the full interview interview below, as the Warriors get set for the final three games of the regular season:
Kerr spoke to 95.7 The Game hosts Damon Bruce and Ray Ratto about the significance of Poole and Thompson’s hug.
“Fighting through to pull out a win like they did in the Utah game, that’s what bonds players,” Kerr said. “That’s what builds respect and earns trust. That embrace that you mentioned, basically symbolized that bond being forged. Because they’re finally in the fire together and they hadn’t been at all before now. It’s great stuff.”
Thompson dropped 36 points and Poole scored 31 as the Warriors used an 18-0 run to mount a huge fourth-quarter comeback.
Poole has scored at least 20 points in 17 straight games. In that span, he’s averaging 26.4 points, 5.1 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 4.5 3-pointers made per game while shooting 49.7 percent from the field and 45 percent from 3-point range.
“He definitely has the offensive talent to be an All-Star,” Kerr said. “The challenge will continue to be at the other end. He doesn’t need to be an all-league defender to be an All-Star. But to be a true All-Star, you’ve gotta be productive, you’ve gotta be a winner, you’ve gotta be a competitor. All that stuff matters. He’s still so young in his career that he’s figuring all that stuff out.”
But for Kerr, being an All-Star is about more than scoring.
“Jordan has that part down,” Kerr said. “If you look at it, his last three weeks, month have just been ridiculous. World-class stuff. To me it’s about continuing to do what you do offensively but adding to that by us winning, and us winning in the playoffs. By taking on the defensive challenges that are for sure coming. And embracing everything that comes with it. Part of being an All-Star is being in the spotlight, being in the crosshairs. You’re gonna get criticized, you’re gonna get judged. How do you handle that? Because nobody gets through scot-free.”
Poole is definitely putting the league on notice. During last week’s loss to the Phoenix Suns, Poole was chirping with veteran guard Chris Paul.
“Great sign,” Kerr said of the interaction. “Chris is one of the nastiest competitors in the league, one of the smartest players I’ve ever seen. … Chris is a killer. For Jordan to get into it with him, I love it. I love the competition. I love the confidence. That’s what you’d hope for in a young guy.”
