Mutual respect among teammates goes a long way towards developing the strong chemistry that all championship teams need.
The Warriors are no stranger to that feeling, as a tight-knit core of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green led Golden State to three NBA championships in five straight Finals appearances.
Third-year pro Jordan Poole has earned that respect from his teammates after a dominant start to what appears to be his breakout season.
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Having stacked back-to-back 30-plus point games against the Detroit Pistons and Toronto Raptors, Poole has quickly established himself as one of the top scoring threats in the Warriors' offense.
Thompson, who Poole is filling in for in the starting five until the five-time All-Star returns to the court, had high praise for 22-year-old Monday night.
Poole responded to Klay the next day, and it's clear that the respect is mutual.
When Thompson returns, Poole likely will return to the bench, where he will be the clearcut leader on offense for the second unit.
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The University of Michigan product has been exciting to watch so far this season, and his breakout campaign could continue, even when Thompson returns.