Jordan Poole’s first season with the Wizards didn’t go as he had expected. His scoring and shooting stats declined, and the team won 20 fewer games than they did in the 2022-23 season. The point guard was scrutinized for his performance, which would have undoubtedly affected his morale. However, he wasn’t discouraged by his difficult season and is still proud of his accomplishments.
During his appearance at a Summer League game, a young fan named Landon Bell approached Poole for advice on how to become an NBA star. The Wizards point guard could have given a generic answer and walked away. Instead, he gave an elaborate response that could help anyone with similar dreams.
When asked by Bell about his journey to the NBA and what advice he would give to a young person with a similar dream, Poole replied:
“Keep working hard, bro. Always take care of school but always have fun… Keep going, bro. It will be hard, but it will always be worth it. So if you go to the gym more than anyone else, you will have a good chance.”
Poole’s reputation as a player has taken a significant turn in the past two years. However, his story has been an inspiration to many young stars. Unlike most of his peers who play a year in college before declaring themselves to the draft, the point guard spent two seasons at Michigan, honing his skills to prepare for life in the big leagues.
The Warriors selected him 28th overall in the 2019 draft and saw him as a young player with good mechanics who could make an impact off the bench. However, in his third season with the team, he emerged as a star and started 51 games for the franchise. He played a vital role in helping the team win the 2022 NBA title.
The Warriors rewarded him with a four-year, $128 million contract but traded him to the Wizards just a year after his practice clash with Draymond Green and inconsistent form. Poole went from the bench to a pivotal role on a championship team before being cut.
Despite his recent lows, the point guard has plenty to be grateful for. He’s worked hard his entire life to get to the NBA, and at 25, he has a championship ring and a nine-figure contract. While his career has taken a slight downturn in the last two years, he’s already accomplished a lot. Most youngsters would happily trade places with him.
Poole’s path to the NBA hasn’t been easy. But he’s made it and hasn’t lost sight of how incredible that feat is.
