Poole’s arrival to the Golden State Warriors wasn’t something that fellow teammates and fans were happy about. A quiet and reserved character, Jordan Poole often was the subject of criticism from veterans. Incidentally, the only person who enjoyed JP’s occasional brashness was Draymond Green—the same guy who punched his “protégé” last October.

Poole’s insatiable hunger to learn everything he could put him in the line of stars of the Warriors like Curry and Thompson. No sooner had Green taken the young guard under his wing, than he went from a nobody to the potential candidate to take the Dubs forward post Curry era. And now, here we are, with JP in Washington and his relationship with Green no better.

The Wizards bet all their chips on Jordan Poole

Even with all the drama going on in the Warriors, Poole had expected to stay on the team. It was his comfort zone. but deep down, Poole and the Warriors knew he had to move on. JP was looking to create his own legacy in the NBA. Though he might have been handed down Curry’s mantle, it would never be his.

Poole would always be compared to Stephen Curry and his legacy. And sooner rather than later, it would break him. What a waste of great talent would that be. None of this rational explanation would make much sense initially. But now that Poole has seen what the Wizards are and can be, he has realized the opportunity this provides him. And responsibilities. And a heavy burden.

Talking to the Ringer’s Logan Murdock, Poole says that throughout his entire life, he’s been preparing for this moment. “I’m coming from a situation of an organization … where it’s … media, scrutiny, noise, just, 24/7 highest level of basketball. And I passed that class,” he says. “Now we got a new course … I feel prepped. That’s the best way to put it.”

It’s clear that Poole is suitably situated. He has also taught his mind that this is going to be the new normal. There will be young players looking up to him for guidance, coaches and veterans coming in to discuss the best course of action and, most importantly, JP will need to be the leader the Wizards badly need.

Poole’s preseason stats don’t bother his former team

The Washington Wizards have been struggling for a very long time now. Each year, they try different methods, change players, switch coaches and the team has yet to make a playoff appearance. Not to mention, their first and only NBA ring was during the 1977-78 season.

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Even with Jordan Poole on the team, no one expects the Wizards to make much noise. Of course, Poole is making enough noise on his own to tally the difference. So far, the preseason stats provide hope that they might make it to the playoffs. JP has averaged 23.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 23 minutes of the game. And his 41-point drive last night is the highest score since Michael Jordan.

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Yes, they are still a long way from being anything of a threat to Poole’s former team, the Golden State Warriors. Yet, the Dubs were struggling before the Curry-Thompson duo took the reigns. The Bucks were also in the slumps until Giannis came with his panache. Here’s to hoping Poole can start the Poole Party in Washington soon.