Warriors player profile: Jordan Poole can compete for minutes as rookie

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Editor's note: The Warriors' roster looks completely different than it did at this time last year. Golden State enters a new era at Chase Center with an injured Klay Thompson and without dynasty mainstays Kevin Durant, Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston. As the Warriors' offseason goes on, we'll do a profile on every player on the revamped roster. Our series starts with first-round pick Jordan Poole. 

The Warriors showed faith in Jordan Poole last month, drafting him No. 28 overall in the 2019 NBA Draft. 

Poole has all the tools to be a rotation player, but the same question that followed him throughout his college career remains: Can he put it all together?

Here's everything you need to know about the Michigan product as he enters his rookie season with Golden State.

Contract

2 years / $4,028,040 (with options for the 2021-22, 2022-23 seasons). 

Last season

Golden State Warriors

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Poole averaged 12.8 points per game during his sophomore season at Michigan. The 20-year old displayed an effective scoring ability, finishing with 15 or more points in 16 games, including a 26-point performance in a win over South Carolina. Additionally, he shot 37 percent from 3-point range, averaging two 3-pointers per game. 

Still, some observers were surprised when Poole declared for the 2019 NBA Draft and curious when the projected second-rounder was selected with the 28th pick. While the guard showed promise as a scorer, his defense lagged, often getting caught on screens and surrendering backdoor passes. 

Outlook

With Andre Iguodala, Shaun Livingston and Kevin Durant gone, Warriors coach Steve Kerr will prioritize a youth movement to help offset the mileage of Draymond Green, Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. This opens the door for Poole to get a big opportunity in the rotation. 

In Las Vegas Summer League, Poole showed promise towards that goal, averaging 17.8 points, including a 12-point performance against Denver, helping Golden State overcome a 17-point deficit to beat the Nuggets 73-69 in their final preliminary round game.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNbPSvVpK-I&t=44s

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Poole also showed an ability to make plays, throwing a variety of behind-the-back passes, often getting teammates involved in the offense. If Poole can continue his upward offensive trajectory, he can compete for minutes on the floor.

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