Kyle Kuzma Makes Very Honest Jordan Poole Statement

Kyle Kuzma spoke about Jordan Poole's transition from the Warriors to the Wizards.

Jan 10, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (33) in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images / Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole are coming off their first season as teammates on the Washington Wizards.

Poole had spent the first four years of his career with the Golden State Warriors before getting traded to the Wizards in the summer of 2023.

On Monday, Kuzma made an honest statement about Poole when he met with reporters at media day (h/t goforitradio).

Kuzma: "From last year, to over the summer, to now, I think Jordan is a much different person. I think he's more relaxed, I think he's more at home, I think for him, coming to a new situation off the first time of his career was probably really, really hard and a little bit different. Everybody moves and develops at a different pace, so you gotta give people grace... I love where he's at from a mentality standpoint. I think that he's Jordan Poole. I don't think last year he necessarily was. He was a little bit quiet, a little bit standoffish... I think that I see more of what Jordan Poole is now."

Poole had a down year last season, as he averaged 17.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.1 steals per contest while shooting 41.3% from the field and 32.6% from the three-point range in 78 games.

Dec 27, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards guard Jordan Poole (13) dribbles against the Toronto Raptors during the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images / Brad Mills-Imagn Images

Meanwhile, Kuzma led the team with averages of 22.2 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists per contest while shooting 46.3% from the field and 33.6% from the three-point range in 70 games.

Apr 3, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (33) shoots the ball as l3/ defends in the second half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images / Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

The Wizards will play their first game of the season on October 24 when they host the Boston Celtics.