Warriors’ Jordan Poole Hopes To Make Immediate Impact In Golden State

The Golden State Warriors picked Jordan Poole, and he is the first Warriors first-round pick in five years to join a franchise that isn’t considered a title favorite. Poole hopes to make a huge impact on the roster. Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant suffered terrible injuries.

“It’s an amazing organization, I’m just coming in and I know only so little about the entire situation,” Poole said during his introductory press conference Monday. “Hopefully, we can find a way to bring everybody back.”

Poole is the 28^th overall in the NBA Draft. This summer is really important for the Warriors. Durant and Thompson are set to become free agents. Will they re-sign with the franchise?

Poole is confident about his contribution to the team.

“I wouldn’t feel pressure,” he said. “I feel like scoring is a strength of mine and it’s something has gotten me to this level and it’s upgraded me as an individual so I think that’s another reason why they’ve wanted me here.

“I have a really good opportunity obviously with Klay out … but just coming in learning, whether it’s in practice and summer league and being a sponge and taking everything in. The opportunity will present itself, but being able to feel like I can make an impact and if there’s an opportunity I’m definitely going to try to take it.”

Warriors general manager Bob Myers had a clear message for Poole. He will have to work hard to be rewarded.

“We’ll give you every chance to meet all of your goals and expectations. But most of it is going to be because of the work you put in,” the general manager said. 

Poole will have to follow a tough leading curve to contribute to the game.

“I think that I know that personally and obviously everyone else knows that as well,” he admitted. “But it’s an improvement that I plan on making. I’ve made it from high school to freshman year to sophomore year. That just comes with time and physically and your body. I’m still learning my body but it’s something I’m working on a lot. Being able to be a two-way player offensively and defensively.

“I think it’s a huge compliment that I’m around some of the best offensive players, if not the best offensive players in the game,” Poole added. “Night in, night out just practicing against Steph and Klay, being able to just find ways to challenge them and being able to have that experience in practice going throughout the season, it grows. So I think I’m just extremely blessed to be in the situation I’m in.”