Jordan Poole’s first season with the Washington Wizards did not go as deliberate, with the 25-year-old lacking out on the additional alternative many had predicted he would get following his departure from the Golden State Warriors.
Whereas Poole grew to become a typical meme attributable to poor early-season performances, there was some mild on the finish of the tunnel as the previous Warriors guard produced higher performances in current weeks.
Poole averaged 15.7 factors and three.7 assists on 40 % capturing and 30.3 % from three-point vary in 51 video games earlier than the All-Star break in February — disappointing numbers for a participant some thought may develop into an All-Star in Washington.
Nonetheless, just a few issues modified over the remainder of the season. Poole was benched instantly after the All-Star break, nevertheless it turned out to be a blessing in disguise because the 6’3″ level guard was capable of tackle extra ball-handling and playmaking duties.
That function had been envisioned for Poole after he was traded by Golden State, with the concept he may thrive after stepping out of Stephen Curry’s shadow. However the arrival of one other guard to the Wizards final offseason, Tyus Jones, seemingly put an finish to these plans.
Over the ultimate 26 video games of the season following his transfer to the bench, Poole averaged 20.9 factors and 5.8 assists whereas seeing vital enchancment in his capturing percentages. Particularly, Jones’ absence over the ultimate 16 video games allowed Poole to return to the beginning lineup and tackle a bigger level guard function, the place he averaged 21.2 factors and seven.1 assists whereas capturing 43.4 % from the sector, 35.2 % from three-point vary and 94.2 % from the free throw line.
Jones was at all times anticipated to go away the Wizards as a free agent, however his choice to finally conform to a one-year, minimal contract with the Phoenix Suns was one of many shocks of the NBA offseason.
Whereas the Suns are undoubtedly the winners of this commerce, Poole must also profit tremendously given his play in Jones’ absence late final season. Now free to take the vast majority of the purpose guard’s minutes, Poole may blossom into the type of factor folks anticipated after being traded for Chris Paul final June.
The 2022 NBA champion made headlines final week when he posted a sequence of Warriors-related photographs on his Instagram, whereas Poole additionally I spent a while low season hanging out with Golden State guard Gary Payton II.
