The Golden State Warriors are in a spot of bother with Stephen Curry out injured. It is surely a blow to the hopes of repeating as NBA Champions. While the Warriors talisman is out on the sidelines, many people are expecting Jordan Poole to rise up to the occasion and keep the Warriors afloat.
Recently JJ Redick discussed Curry’s absence and if Poole can replace the Chef while he is out on the sidelines. Redick on his podcast ‘Old Man and the Three” chalked down the alternatives that the Warriors have in this dire situation.
“Steph creates off the dribble too,” JJ Redick said. “But, you know, outside of Steph, they don’t have efficient scorers off the dribble.”
Redick feels that Jordan Poole gives the Warriors a different outlet and it is also an opportunity for the youngster to step up to the occasion. He can be the off the dribble scoring outlet for the Dubs.
Curry’s injury comes at the worst time as he was averaging 30 ppg, 6.8 assists per game, and career high 6.6 rebounds per game. The Warriors will have to depend on their veterans Draymond Green and Klay Thompson. The veterans will look to lead the young players and guide them to a safe space from where they can take it forward. A young player will look fill in for Curry’s crucial minutes.
“This could be really interesting to see over the stretch is Draymond, because when he plays with Steph, he’s really never looking for his shot,” JJ Redick feels it is a big occasion for the others to prove their worth.
Draymond Green’s shot production has not been great and this gives him an opportunity to raise his shot per game. Green in the last few years has been surrounded by shooters and hence he has primarily played as a facilitator.
The Warriors recently defeated the Toronto Raptors 126-110 and Green recorded season high 15 shots and scored 17 points whereas Poole was just sensational as he scored career high 43 points.
The best thing for the Warriors is that they have a 8 consecutive home games coming up and the team is 12-2 at home so that gives them some edge to fi9nd out ways to stay afloat even when their talisman is out on the sidelines.
