NBA: Jordan Poole performs former Warriors crew at Chase Heart

Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson, proper, speaks to Washington Wizards guard Jordan Poole earlier than an NBA basketball recreation Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, in San Francisco. (AP Picture/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

SAN FRANCISCO — Jordan Poole briefly misplaced the ball, retrieved it from one fan, then playfully threw a move again to the sideline to get just a few boys from Israel concerned in his warmup routine.

They completely liked it.

Seemingly unfastened and light-hearted, and naturally sporting his signature hoodie, Poole smiled as he made the rounds of hellos and hugs throughout his return to Chase Heart on Friday evening to face his former crew.

“Sticking to the plan,” Poole mentioned whereas hustling again to the locker room after his pregame work earlier than Washington’s matchup with Golden State, “that’s all you are able to do.”

Welcome again, JP 🤝 pic.twitter.com/HZV3d7sRQO

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) December 23, 2023

The Warriors traded Poole to the Wizards for Chris Paul on draft day.

Golden State coach Steve Kerr, who has lengthy praised Poole’s contributions and maturity throughout his development into the skilled recreation, couldn’t wait to see how Poole was obtained from the followers.

“I feel it will likely be an important evening. I feel Jordan will get a well-deserved reception from our followers that may mirror how a lot he meant to our crew whereas he was right here,” Kerr mentioned. “So I’m excited for Jordan and it will likely be good to see him on a private degree as properly. I do know plenty of our guys are excited to see him.”

A part of the Warriors’ 2022 championship, Poole was saluted with a pregame video tribute. He was greeted with a heat ovation, then hit an 18-foot jumper from the left wing to begin the sport.

Poole has made a direct impression on the Wizards by staying late and arriving early to do his work — a tireless power in terms of his recreation.

Coach Wes Unseld Jr. calls him “a basketball junkie” who has needed to adapt to a brand new atmosphere. Poole got here into Friday averaging 17.2 factors, 5.4 assists and three.0 rebounds.

“I do know it hasn’t proven up within the field rating, his total effectivity early within the 12 months wasn’t nice, however I feel, as soon as once more, wanting on the final handful of video games it’s a lot improved,” Unseld mentioned. “It is a very particular atmosphere. The best way they play, and him studying a brand new type, new coach, new teammates. And likewise, seeing completely different defenses he in all probability didn’t see right here coming off the bench and being extra of a reserve participant.

“To his credit score, it hasn’t modified his work ethic. He’s the primary one within the health club, final one to depart. He’s a basketball junkie. Desires to be actually good, places within the time and the work, I feel he’s beginning to see the dividends of that.”