Jordan Poole states Warriors championship solidified his basketball legacy – NBC Sports Bay Area & California

Former Warriors guard Jordan Poole is forging a new path in Washington, D.C. as he prepares for his inaugural season with the Wizards. However, he believes his basketball legacy is already established due to his achievements during his four years in the Bay Area.

“Playing the game I love at the highest level, taking care of my family, and winning a championship ring… my basketball legacy is secure,” expressed Poole in an interview with The Ringer’s Logan Murdock. “For the first time ever, I’ll be playing basketball without any pressure. That’s how I see it.”

“Nevertheless, playing in Washington presents an exceptional and exciting opportunity for me,” Poole added.

In just three seasons with the Warriors, Poole advanced from being a first-round draft pick to a G League player and ultimately became a valuable contributor to the team’s championship victory in 2022. He made significant strides during the 2021-22 season, particularly when filling in for superstar guard Steph Curry and providing a much-needed spark off the bench.

During the 12 regular-season games that Curry missed, Poole started in each one and averaged an impressive 25.8 points, shooting 37.4 percent from beyond the arc. He led the team to five consecutive victories leading into the playoffs.

Poole’s exceptional performance continued into the postseason. He started all five games in the first round against the Denver Nuggets and emerged as the team’s leading scorer in Game 1. Additionally, he scored 31 points in a Western Conference semifinal win against the Memphis Grizzlies. In the NBA Finals, Poole maintained an average of 13.2 points, shooting 38.5 percent from three-point range against the Boston Celtics.

Undoubtedly, Poole earned every bit of his championship ring.

Now, as a member of the Wizards, Poole faces the challenge of becoming a leader, utilizing the tools he acquired from Curry, who has assumed that role for the Warriors since being drafted in 2009.

“As a basketball player, growing up, you aspire to become the face of a franchise,” Poole remarked earlier this month. “It’s an amazing opportunity because I’ve learned tremendously and asked countless questions to prepare for this moment.

If Poole can guide the Wizards to consistent success, it would significantly enhance his on-court legacy. This would be a remarkable achievement considering that the organization hasn’t advanced beyond the Western Conference semifinals since 1979.

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