Steve Kerr emphasizes on ball movement as Jordan Poole struggles for form: “Jordan is trying too hard to create every play"
Jordan Poole has been struggling to get things going for the Golden State Warriors as of late. While this could be a concern, head coach Steve Kerr has some solutions for the young star.
The Golden State Warriors haven't looked like the dominant side they were known to be last season. Coming off their most recent loss against the New Orleans Pelicans, the Warriors extended their losing streak to five games as well.
With a 0-6 record on the road, the Dubs do not appear to be title contenders at the moment. While concerns continue to build, some would suggest that the problems are systemic. In particular, the Warriors' lack of movement could be pinned as a primary issue.
In this regard, rising star Jordan Poole could be viewed as the culprit. After earning a massive 4-year deal with the team, Poole appears set to don the robes of a superstar. Unfortunately, this may have percolated into the way he conducts himself on the floor.
In the span of the last five games, Jordan Poole has had some impressive outings. However, as the road trip progressed, there was a distinct and visible drop in his performance. Naturally, all of these games also ended in losses.
However, the last game against New Orleans saw an interesting situation where the Dubs' main rotation was all but ruled out of action.
While it would be unfair to blame the youngster for the Warriors' overall shortcomings, he isn't exempt from the mistakes he made. After repeatedly overhandling the ball in a system that emphasizes ball movement, Poole is culpable in setting up the Warriors' stagnant offense.
Steve Kerr made a note of this as he made a note of what Poole was doing.
"He’s trying too hard,” Kerr said. “Jordan is trying too hard to create every play. He’s at his best when there’s a flow to the game, he’s playing on and off the ball, getting some catch-and-shoot opportunities.
"The NBA is filled with the greatest athletes on earth. Trying to dribble through those athletes time and again is not going to be a winning formula. Ball movement is crucial to trying to win at this level. That’s Jordan, that’s for Steph, that’s for Klay, that’s for Draymond. And that’s the way we’ve always played.”
If the Warriors want to repair their second unit, fixing JP is the most crucial first step (via @MontePooleNBCS) nbcsports.com/bayarea/warrio…
With the emphasis placed upon moving the ball around, Kerr preached the importance of the Warriors' approach towards playing team offense.
Jordan Poole doesn't have to carry Golden State
Jordan Poole has made huge strides as a player over the course of his short career. After a breakout year last season, Poole also earned himself a fine contract that sees him ranked as a potential superstar in the future. However, this could have had an impact on his approach to the game.
Poole is averaging 16.5 points and 5.1 assists per game this season. While it is still early days, these aren't the numbers you'd expect from someone who is expected to take over a larger role.
Over the course of the road trip, Poole progressively became less effective in facilitating the Golden State Warriors offense. Additionally, he also appeared lost on defense. This greatly affected the Warriors' overall performance as the whole team entered a funk.
With team basketball giving way to isolation, the Warriors will have to rejuvenate the brand of basketball they are known for.
Heading home for their next game on Monday, the Dubs will hope to secure a win to break out of their losing slide. With Steph Curry and the main rotation expected to return, Jordan Poole will have the opportunity to blend into the system again.
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