Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green recently shared his thoughts on former teammate Jordan Poole’s adjustment to his role with the Washington Wizards. Green’s comments came after the Warriors defeated the Wizards 125-112, a game in which Poole contributed 24 points for Washington.
Discussing Poole’s progress, Green highlighted the young guard’s improved approach in his second season with the Wizards. “He’s playing a lot better,” Green remarked, according to ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk. “His shot selection… you come to a new situation, as a competitor you want to show everything. I think last year he was pressing. He wanted it so bad. He’s settling in.”
In the 2023-24 season, Poole’s debut with Washington, he averaged 17.4 points, 4.4 assists, and 2.7 rebounds while shooting 41.3% from the field and 32.6% from beyond the arc. This season, his scoring has increased to 22.5 points per game (44.9% field goals, 45.3% three-pointers), along with 5 assists and 1.2 rebounds in an average of 31 minutes.
Green’s analysis points to Poole’s initial struggles with shot selection and adaptation to his new team. “Last year, those were bad shots, but he wanted it so bad,” Green said, emphasizing Poole’s drive to make an impression in Washington. According to Green, this season Poole has found a rhythm, letting the game come to him rather than forcing plays.
The Warriors’ win over the Wizards marked Stephen Curry’s return after missing time with an ankle injury. Curry, playing limited minutes, still managed to score 24 points, with 16 of those coming in the second half. His presence helped Golden State secure their fourth consecutive win, as Curry provided a steady scoring touch even with reduced court time.
For Washington, Poole’s 24 points led the team, but the Wizards struggled to capitalize from long range, hitting just 23% of their three-point attempts. Rookie Kyshawn George scored 20 points and connected on six of 17 shots from deep, but Washington’s inconsistent shooting prevented them from keeping up with Golden State.
Green, who contributed 18 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, demonstrated his usual versatility, hitting five of seven from the field. Gary Payton II and Trayce Jackson-Davis also stepped up to ensure the Warriors’ lead held firm, especially with Curry’s minutes limited.
