Inside The Wizards

Wizards Coach: Jordan Poole Off to Great Start

Jordan Poole is off to a hot start for the Washington Wizards.

Jeremy Brener

Oct 24, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) dribbles the ball as Washington Wizards guard Jordan Poole (13) defends in the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Oct 24, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) dribbles the ball as Washington Wizards guard Jordan Poole (13) defends in the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images / Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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Washington Wizards guard Jordan Poole is the straw that is stirring the drink for the team.

Poole, 25, is in his second season with the Wizards after being traded by the Golden State Warriors last year, and he is now finally getting comfortable in Washington.

In the team's first two games this season, Poole is averaging 20 points on 50 percent shooting while also dishing out five assists per game. His play so far has impressed coach Brian Keefe.

“He's been great. I mean, the best part is I think he's got seven steals the first two games, I think that's the number, might be eight,” Keefe said via ClutchPoints reporter Joshua Valdez. “His activity on defense has been great, and he's getting organized and playing within the flow of the game.”

Poole's strong performances to start the season have come at a good time, especially with Kyle Kuzma struggling. Kuzma is averaging just 13 points per game while shooting just over 28 percent from the field, but Keefe isn't worried about his early-season struggles.

“Like I always say with Jordan, him and Kyle are the two guys that are number one on the scouting report, and he's still finding his shots, where to take 'em, and getting other guys into their rhythm too, so he's been great, he's been good,” Keefe said via Valdez.

In order for the young Wizards to be at their best, Poole and Kuzma need to be able to set the tone and allow them to be successful. If they can do that, the Wizards will be well on pace for the team's rebuild and can have the highest level of development possible.

Poole and the Wizards are back in action tonight on the road against the Atlanta Hawks. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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