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Golden State Warriors: Realistic expectations for three 2019 draft picks

By Justin Fried

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 29: Jordan Poole #2 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts after a second half three point basket while playing the Ohio State Buckeyes at Crisler Arena on January 29, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 65-49. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 29: Jordan Poole #2 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts after a second half three point basket while playing the Ohio State Buckeyes at Crisler Arena on January 29, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 65-49. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Golden State Warriors
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: Jordan Poole #2 of the Michigan Wolverines looks for a pass against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament West Regional at Honda Center on March 28, 2019 in Anaheim, California. Golden State Warriors (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

1. SG Jordan Poole

The Warriors don’t have a particularly strong recent history of first-round picks filling immediate roles with the team, but Jordan Poole will undoubtedly be looking to buck that trend this season.

But unlike Paschall, he might have to fight a little harder for playing time.

While the Warriors lack proven depth pretty much everywhere, they do have quite a few guards on the roster competing for minutes. And Poole’s primary competition will come in the form of Sacramento Kings castoff Alec Burks.

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The oft-injured veteran spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Utah Jazz showing flashes of potential. But ultimately injuries held him back throughout his career as the 28-year-old has missed a miraculous 44% of all possible games over the past five seasons.

Poole will be tasked with not only usurping Burks for the backup shooting guard job, but solidifying minutes in his own right.

Even though second-year pro Jacob Evans has been moved back to point guard, he could still see some time at the position. Expect the Warriors to allow D’Angelo Russell to run some point and when he does, we could see Evans return briefly to his shooting guard position.

Still, Poole should have the opportunity to play some minutes early on but the extent to which he plays will ultimately be determined by his performance.

If he impresses early on and proves he’s ready for the NBA spotlight, expect the Warriors to continue giving him minutes. But if he falters and shows that he isn’t quite ready to play substantial minutes, expect the Warriors to give more playing time to Burks and the others.

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Either way, Poole should have the opportunity to prove himself.

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