Since being traded by the Golden State Warriors, a lot has been said regarding Jordan Poole‘s effect on the locker room and how he performed throughout his final season with the franchise. Poole ended the 2022-23 season with averages of 20.4 points, 4.5 assists, and 2.7 rebounds, shooting 43% from the field and 33.6% from 3-point range.
According to Andre Iguodala, who was speaking on a recent episode of ‘Gil’s Arena,’ with Gilbert Arenas, Poole’s performances were not the problem last season. The four-time NBA champion also praised Poole’s ability to get to the free-throw line for his former team, noting how no other member of the roster was able to draw fouls consistently.
“He was the only one that got to the line for us consistently,” Iguodala said. “People act like he had a bad year. I’m like, a bad year? Ya’ll blame him for the year we had last year? He averaged 20.”
Andre Iguodala says to stop blaming Jordan Poole for the Warriors collapse.
And Poole should average 25+ for the Wizards this year. pic.twitter.com/LVpfqbOj9U
— Gilbert Arenas (@GilsArenaShow) August 17, 2023
Poole is now starting a new chapter in his career with the Washington Wizards. After spending his first four years in the NBA learning from Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, Poole will now get the opportunity to shine in a bigger role for a rebuilding team that can give him the touches and shooting volume that he desires.
Nevertheless, there’s no denying that Poole’s presence on Golden State’s roster was a distraction. The altercation between Draymond Green and Poole ahead of last season ensured the Warriors never reached their usual level. Now, with Poole residing in the Eastern Conference, both sides have the opportunity for a fresh start and a new chance at success.
