The anticipation for the 2023-24 NBA season is sky-high, with marquee acquisitions and improvements by several teams, like the Milwaukee Bucks landing Damian Lillard or the Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns enhancing their rosters. Yet, amidst all the hype, one significant move often overlooked is the Washington Wizards’ acquisition of former Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole.
A recent viral video from Kevin Garnett’s podcast, KG Certified, stirred the basketball community as Garnett drew a striking comparison. He likened Jordan Poole’s situation with the Wizards to James Harden’s transition from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Houston Rockets, saying, “Jordan Poole is the new James Harden.”
Garnett’s comparison might raise a few eyebrows, but there’s more to it than meets the eye. The parallel between the two players lies in the idea that they both felt held back before emerging as elite scorers on their respective teams.
In Harden’s time with the Thunder, he played alongside superstars like Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant, who demanded significant ball-handling responsibilities. This limited Harden’s ability to showcase his full talents. During his tenure in Oklahoma City, Harden started in just seven of the 220 games he played and averaged a modest 12 points per game.
However, everything changed when he was traded to the Rockets in 2012. Freed from the constraints of playing behind Durant and Westbrook, Harden quickly blossomed into one of the greatest scorers in NBA history, averaging an impressive 29 points per game. While he faced criticism for not winning an NBA championship, he undoubtedly demonstrated his scoring prowess.
A similar storyline applies to Jordan Poole. He couldn’t fully tap into his potential during his time with the Golden State Warriors. Despite averaging 15 points per game, he often came off the bench behind stars Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. Last season, Poole had a breakthrough year, averaging a career-high 20 points per game. Notably, when Curry was sidelined with a thumb injury, Poole stepped up, averaging 27 points in Curry’s absence.
The timing of the Wizards’ acquisition of Poole appears impeccable. Last season, the Wizards struggled offensively, ranking 21st in points per game. The team desperately needed a primary scorer with Bradley Beal’s departure to the Phoenix Suns. Jordan Poole has demonstrated his ability to score in various ways, both in the paint and beyond the arc. Entering his fifth year in the league, there’s ample room for further improvement.
If Poole continues on this trajectory and refines his scoring skills, he could become the next elite scorer in the NBA. While the James Harden comparison may initially sound audacious, it serves as a reminder that young talents, when provided with the right opportunities and freedom, can transform into the league’s premier stars. Jordan Poole’s potential may shine in the 2023-24 NBA season.
