Averaging Six Threes Per Game! Farewell, Warriors—Jordan Poole Thrives as a Team’s No. 1 Option

The Golden State Warriors must be in tears right now. After years of hard work and investment in their young star Jordan Poole, who many believed could one day succeed Stephen Curry—and perhaps even surpass him in certain areas—the Warriors made a decision last offseason that now seems painfully regrettable. In the summer of 2023, they sent Poole to the Washington Wizards, parting ways with a player they had high hopes for.

Fast forward to today, Poole is thriving in his new role with the Wizards. Over his last five games, the 24-year-old guard has been nothing short of spectacular, averaging 27.8 points per game while nailing an eye-popping 5.8 three-pointers per contest. His performances have left defenders reeling, and fans marveling at his scoring prowess. During this stretch, the Wizards managed to go 3-2—a significant improvement for a team that had been languishing at the bottom of the league standings.

Wizards’ Unexpected Dilemma

The Wizards, currently sitting at 6-25, had been quietly positioning themselves for the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft and the potential selection of highly touted prospect Cooper Flagg. However, Poole’s sudden surge in form has thrown a wrench into those plans. His scoring outbursts have lifted Washington out of the league’s basement, temporarily placing them above the New Orleans Pelicans, who now sit at 5-29.

Interestingly, Poole has already surpassed his former mentor, Curry, in one statistical category this season. With nine games of hitting at least five three-pointers, Poole has edged ahead of Curry in this metric, a symbolic moment that underscores his growing confidence and ability.

A Statistical Comparison: Poole vs. Curry

While it might seem sacrilegious to compare Poole to the Warriors’ all-time great, the numbers don’t lie. This season, Poole is averaging 21.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. He’s hitting 3.6 three-pointers per game on 41% shooting from deep. In comparison, Curry is posting averages of 22.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 1.2 steals, with 4.2 made three-pointers per game on 40.1% shooting from beyond the arc.

The margins are slim, but they illustrate how Poole is beginning to fulfill the lofty expectations the Warriors once had for him. What makes this even more poignant is the fact that Poole is achieving these numbers as the undisputed leader of the Wizards—a role he never would have had the chance to embrace in Golden State.

The Golden State Perspective

For Warriors fans, the trade that sent Poole to Washington remains a source of heated debate. Was it a mistake to move on from the young sharpshooter so early in his career? Could the Warriors have better navigated the tensions between Poole and other members of the roster, particularly Draymond Green?

While these questions may never be fully answered, one thing is clear: Poole’s breakout in Washington was made possible by his new role as the team’s offensive centerpiece. Had he remained in Golden State, where the system revolves around Curry, Poole might not have had the opportunity to unlock his full potential.

Bright Spots for Golden State

Despite the lingering regret surrounding Poole’s departure, the Warriors have reasons to be optimistic about their future. Jonathan Kuminga, another young prospect the team chose to retain, has shown significant signs of development. In two of his last three games—both played on back-to-back nights—Kuminga combined for an impressive 68 points, 19 rebounds, and 8 assists.

For Golden State, Kuminga’s emergence offers some solace, proving that their investment in the next generation of talent isn’t entirely in vain.

Poole’s Journey in Washington

As for Poole, his move to Washington has given him the freedom to showcase his skills on a nightly basis. For the first time in his career, he’s enjoying the full trust of a franchise and its fanbase, serving as their undisputed leader on the court.

This newfound sense of belonging appears to have fueled Poole’s ascent. Beyond the numbers, his demeanor on the court speaks volumes—Poole looks comfortable, confident, and in control.

While Poole’s future with the Wizards remains uncertain, especially given trade rumors linking him to teams like the Denver Nuggets, his immediate priority seems clear: continue proving that he has what it takes to be a franchise cornerstone.

The Bigger Picture

The Warriors’ decision to trade Poole may have been a case of “right player, wrong timing.” It’s hard not to wonder what might have been if Golden State had chosen a different path. At the same time, Poole’s rise in Washington serves as a reminder that sometimes, players need a change of scenery to truly flourish.

For now, Poole is focused on making the most of his opportunity with the Wizards, while the Warriors can only watch and hope that the decisions they’ve made will pay dividends in the long run. In the NBA, there’s no room for second-guessing—only time will tell if this trade was a win for both sides, or a moment the Warriors will come to regret.