Warriors forward Draymond Green and head coach Steve Kerr both expressed surprise this week when Jordan Poole wasn’t included among the three finalists for the Most Improved Player award.
As Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports Bay Area writes, Kerr called Poole’s omission “shocking,” though he acknowledged that All-Star guards Ja Morant, Darius Garland, and Dejounte Murray are all “worthy candidates.” Green conveyed his disagreement in stronger terms, per Angelina Martin of NBC Sports Bay Area.
“If Jordan Poole isn’t the Most Improved Player, then the NBA really needs to relook at their process. Because you cannot find a guy on that list that has made a bigger improvement,” Green said. “I don’t care. If he’s not the Most Improved Player, then let’s rename the award to … who we like the most, who we see as more electrifying, to who we see may have a bigger impact on our team.
“That’s not the name of the award, that’s actually the Most Valuable Player, and so if we’re talking about the Most Improved Player, and if the award was voted on based upon its name, then it’s a no-brainer who’s the Most Improved Player.”
Here’s more on the Warriors:
- Once Stephen Curry‘s protégé, Poole is turning into a legitimate co-star for the two-time MVP, writes Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic. “He’s been watching Steph a lot,” Green said, “and he’s doing his best impression. And it is incredible.” President of basketball operations Bob Myers agreed with Green’s assessment: “Realistically, the engine is Curry. And now you’re seeing maybe twin engines. Which is fun.” Poole, who will be extension-eligible this offseason, has averaged 29.5 PPG on 65.5% shooting in the first two playoff games of his career.
- Given how well Poole has played, the Warriors will have a tough lineup decision to make once Curry is ready to return to the starting five, writes Josh Schrock of NBC Sports Bay Area. If they want to start both Curry and Poole alongside Green and Klay Thompson, it would mean bringing either Andrew Wiggins or Kevon Looney off the bench.
- Curry admitted after Game 2 on Monday that he’s still feeling some discomfort in his injured left foot, but said it “doesn’t matter,” adding that he’s committed to managing that discomfort through the playoffs (Twitter link via Kendra Andrews of ESPN).
- In case you missed it, Warriors owner Joe Lacob discussed Poole’s emergence, Golden State’s championship hopes, and balancing the team’s veteran core with its young core, among other topics. Here are some of the highlights.
Warriors looking good at this point. Fingers crossed they all stay healthy. Looks like that’s the key to survival in the playoffs in today’s NBA.
Seems like injuries do occur, and it’s just essential to have the horses among the backups. Phoenix has done a nice job preparing for a potential Chris Paul injury with two very good backup point guards in Cameron Payne and Elfrid Payton (plus Aaron Holiday!) Well played by the Suns.
Getting Aaron Holiday for cash considerations was stealing.
NBA sure snubbed the warriors when it came to awards this year. If you go from G league to scoring 20 points a game that is considered improvement.
Yeah, except for the fact that people seem to forget Poole played almost equally as well last year, just in a more limited capacity. Of course there is something to be said about slightly improving one’s efficiency even with more playing time, so Poole has definitely improved.
That being said, everyone is acting as though Poole was a G-League scrub last season. That was 2 seasons ago. Not to mention, the likes of Murray and Garland have had equally large roles and made arguably greater strides (Murray’s PER improved by 6 and Garland went from negative 0.1 to positive 1.7 VORP, for instance).
You may not agree with the selections and an argument can be made for Poole being the most improved player. However, I am sick of people acting like this was some obvious snub
Curry should stay as an off the bench guy as long as Poole is playing this well with the starters. It helps them having Steph running the offense with the second unit. They don’t have a guy who can do that and Poole isn’t much of a passer. This is a sacrifice moment for Curry
GSW just destroying the MVP Jokic squad. A healthy Nuggets squad probably at least puts up a fight. Gordon providing nothing thus far.
If GSW had Wiseman Joker probably gets stifled further.
GSW has a legit squad. Imagine Wiseman, Kuminga, and Moody actually being contributors next season.
Suns losing Booker may clear the path for GSW back to the finals this year.
I’m not as optimistic because I think the road to the finals can be very difficult… but your post brings this thought to mind…
I would pay huge money to watch Draymond Green defend, or try to defend, The Greek Freak in the fourth quarter of an NBA finals game. That would be an epic match up of matchups.
Deay can’t stop Giannis
All fair points
“Kevon Looney may have to come off the bench…?” I think the Warriors would rather have Curry, Klay, Draymond, Poole and Wiggins in the game. The dominating center Looney is fine to come off the bench. We can sacrifice his greatness.