Jordan Poole got traded to the Washington Wizards this summer. Despite his potential to become a future superstar, the Warriors decided to part ways with Poole because of his chemistry with the squad. The Warriors were going through some internal turmoil, which came to light last year after a video of Draymond Green punching Jordan Poole during practice surfaced on social media. Now that Jordan Poole has left the shadow of superstars Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, Celtics legend Kevin Garnett drew parallels between him and Former MVP James Harden.
And Jordan Poole has started to make those assumptions a reality. Days after Garnett compared him with the former MVP, Poole lit up for a preseason high in James Harden?s old stomping ground.
Jordan Poole catches fire reigniting the James Harden comparison
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Jordan Poole led the Washington Wizards to a 131-106 victory over the New York Knicks in their second NBA preseason game. Poole went off for 41 points in 27 minutes while shooting 50 percent from deep. The 24-year-old?s incredible performance came in the Greatest sports arena, Madison Square Garden. Days before his 41-point outing, Boston Celtics legend Kevin Garnett drew parallels between Poole and James Harden. ?Jordan Poole is the new James Harden.? The Big Ticket said on an episode of KG Certified.
Jordan Poole tonight:
41 Points
52% FG
50% 3P
93% FTBuckets. ???
(via @7rsterling)
? Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) October 19, 2023
Garnett believed Poole might kick his career into the next gear just like James Harden did in 2012. Harden left the shadow of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook in OKC and started his incredible run with the Houston Rockets. He became an MVP-level player, making 10 straight All-Star teams after leaving the Thunder. Poole can do the same now that he has left Stephen Curry’s shadow. The comparison between Poole and Harden re-ignited after Poole?s 41-point performance because the former MVP scored his career-high 61 points against the same team in the Madison Square Garden four years ago.
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Can Jordan Poole become the next James Harden?
Jordan Poole?s career trajectory has been quite similar to James Harden’s. Poole was the third option with the Warriors and still scored around 20 points per game in limited minutes. Poole proved he can contribute to a Championship team when he helped Stephen Curry win his 4th title in 2022. He averaged a solid 17 points and 3.8 assists in the 2022 playoffs.
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Jordan Poole has the chance to unleash his true potential in Washington as he will be their primary scorer. The young guard will play alongside another former Champion, Kyle Kuzma. And the two youngsters will have full control of the Wizards offense this season. This might be a breakout season for Jordan Poole as his usage will increase significantly, and he will also be looking for retribution after being traded by the Warriors. Poole?s impressive 41-point performance in the Garden might be a sign of things to come this season.
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