Jordan Poole laments about tight coverage on him - “How people are guarding Steph in first unit is how they’re guarding me”
Golden State Warriors star Jordan Poole recently placed himself in high regard by comparing himself to Steph Curry. While the youngster has certainly garnered a lot of attention, Poole lamented how teams have been treating him the same way they treat his superstar teammates.
Jordan Poole is one of the most promising young talents on the Dubs' roster. Since his breakout season last year, Poole has quickly emerged as the heir to Steph Curry's legacy as a dynamic point guard.
With a playing style that almost mimics Curry's, Poole has played a massive role in extending the Warriors' reign as title contenders. However, the responsibility of taking over from the greatest shooter of all time is not for the faint of heart.
Since his breakout season, Poole has seen a minor drop in his scoring splits. While his scoring could be attributed to fewer minutes, Poole has seen subsequent drops in three-point shooting as well.
This drop in output could be attributed to several things. Considering Kerr's expectations for Poole to be a solid defensive player as well, the youngster may simply be adjusting to the added burden.
However, according to Poole, this may be due to the attention he garners from the defense.
In a recent conversation with The Athletic's Marcus Thompson, Poole lamented the tight coverage he faces.
"How people are guarding Steph in the first unit is how they’re guarding me in the second unit. When we’re not on the court together, I get the same coverage as he gets."
Jordan Poole says teams are guarding him like Steph Curry
“How people are guarding Steph in the first unit is how they’re guarding me in the second unit. When we’re not on the court together, I get the same coverage as he gets.”
(Via The Athletic) https://t.co/xezikNioL7
Given that Poole comes off the bench, he often shares the floor with Curry. In the span of time, the star often benefits from open looks due to Curry's gravity. However, with Curry off the floor, Poole has become a prime target for the defense.
This can be seen in many situations as well. With Curry heading to the bench, opposing units often put their primary defenders onto Poole in hopes of shutting him down.
This could be viewed as a sign of respect in some ways. Given that the Warriors have their fair share of offensive firestarters, Poole is largely viewed as a priority with Curry off the floor.
Poole's ability to catch fire quickly certainly garners this kind of attention. However, the youngster is still a way away from being the primary focus of the offense.
While he has shown the most development from the Warriors' young core, the team will hope to see him take on more responsibilities.
Also Read: Draymond Green lauds Jordan Poole for his elite 3-point show from behind the arc: “He's capable of doing things like Steph & Klay on the court”
Jordan Poole is the future of the Warriors
Jordan Poole being the future of the Golden State Warriors is fairly well understood at this point. Given the youngster's impact in last year's regular-season and playoffs, the Warriors have ensured that he stays with the team for the long run.
Poole has flourished with the Warriors in his three seasons with the team. Having earned himself a fine four-year extension in the process of doing so, the 23-year-old has been presented as Steph Curry's replacement.
Given that the two are almost similar in their approach to the game, Jordan Poole gained a lot of experience by playing alongside one of the greatest to ever do it.
Meanwhile, the Warriors still feature some talented youngsters among their ranks. Although there have been some doubts raised about their ability to contribute, the Dubs will hope that this is all a phase in the development process.