LAS VEGAS — The Warriors’ pre-draft intel suggested the Spurs were interested in taking Jordan Poole with the 29th pick. Poole can confirm such whispers. He’d worked out in San Antonio in the weeks leading up to the draft and had been given hints of their strong attraction.



“I was really preparing for 29,” Poole said.



The Clippers, at pick 27, were on the clock. Poole figured his moment was only about 10 minutes away. It actually arrived sooner. His phone buzzed. The Warriors were on the other line. They were taking him at pick 28.



“Beyond excited,” Poole said recently. “It’s as good as it gets, man.”



To most, in the moment, it was deemed a reach. Some mock drafts had Poole going in the middle of the second round. Others had him going undrafted. The Warriors, outsiders assumed, could’ve just scooped him up later.



But those within the organization believe they stole Poole a...