Paul George Offers Encouraging Words to Jordan Poole
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The Golden State Warriors flamed out in six games against the Los Angeles Lakers in spectacular fashion during the second round of the NBA Playoffs. One of the biggest reasons why was because of Jordan Poole's play. Even though Poole was at fault, Paul George knows it's something he can improve from.
On an episode of Podcast P, Paul George discussed Jordan Poole's playoff struggles and gave some very encouraging words for him.
"It's just human nature bro," George said. "Everybody misses shots, everybody goes through a stretch, it sucks that his stretch is happening at the biggest time of their season, but everybody goes through stretches. It's a building block, it's something he's got to navigate through."
One of the big things George wanted Poole to remember is that bad games and bad stretches happen to everyone - including Paul George.
"I remember, it wasn't in the playoffs, but played a full game and ended with a donut bro," George said. "Zero points, played like thirty minutes, I was like 0/12 or something like that. We were flying back to Indy, all I could think about was that game. We had B-Shaw at the time, and he talking me through it, giving me what Kobe went through, how Kobe changed his routines. That sh*t stuck with me. The point I'm making is, it's good for him to go through this type of adversity. Now, he changes how he prepares, how he gets ready."
George even offered an additional explanation for Poole's struggles, suggesting why it could have been a deeper mental issue. The fact that he's trying to carry a legacy for Steph Curry, help with a dynasty, and has more than just himself to worry about.
"It's a lot going on in this series deeper than him," George said. "He's trying to help a dynasty, trying to carry that legacy for Steph. It's a lot that he's juggling, and it just so happens that he's got to learn from it."
Last season, it looked like Jordan Poole was on the cusp of becoming an All-Star this season, but he flamed out in the playoffs. He has encouragement from All-Stars like Steph Curry, Paul George, and DeMar DeRozan, now it's time for him to learn through the struggles this off-season.
