OAKLAND, Calif. _ The Warriors just selected a player that could have a significant role in determining the team's playoff fortunes next season.
The Warriors picked Michigan sophomore forward/guard Jordan Poole at No. 28 in the NBA draft on Thursday, giving the team some needed wing depth.
Poole doubled his scoring output his sophomore season (12.8), while tying for 11th in the Big Ten in 3s per game (2.0). He also shot 36.9% from deep. Poole became known for hitting a game-winning 3 in the Michigan's Sweet 16 win over Houston in the 2018 NCAA Tournament. Talent evaluators were also impressed for Poole's scoring versatility. He also shot well from the free-throw line as a freshman (83.3 percent) and sophomore (82.7 percent).
Beforehand, Warriors general manager Bob Myers had said he hopes the No. 28 pick will play "big minutes" because of the team's uncertain roster.
Whether Kevin Durant re-signs with the Warriors or leaves as a free agent, he is expected to sit out for all of next season after having surgery on his ruptured Achilles tendon. The Warriors and Klay Thompson are expected to agree to a max contract, but he could stay sidelined for at least half of next season because of a torn ACL in his left knee.
The Warriors also have a handful of other pending free agents, including DeMarcus Cousins, Kevon Looney, Jordan Bell, Quinn Cook, Jonas Jerebko and Andrew Bogut. Shaun Livingston is expected to retire following a 15-year NBA career. That could leave the Warriors with only five players under contract for next season, including Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Andre Iguodala, Damian Jones, and Alfonzo McKinnie.
