Draymond Green unexpectedly lauds Jordan Poole 2 years after physical altercation
Draymond Green kept his history with former teammate Jordan Poole aside when talking about his growth with the Washington Wizards. Roughly, two years after their physical altercation during practice, where Green punched Poole, the two locked horns again on Monday at the Capital One Arena.
While they had moments of taunting each other during the contest, Green didn't drag that off the court. He highlighted how Poole is having a much better year in his second season with Washington:
"He’s playing a lot better. His shot selection … you come to a new situation, as a competitor you want to show everything. I think last year he was pressing. He wanted it so bad. He’s settling in. Last year were bad shots but he wanted it so bad."
Poole came into last season with high expectations after he got his own team. He was the presumed leader for them, but things didn't go according to plan. He saw a dip in his production from the previous two years with the Warriors, averaging 17.4 points, shooting 41.3%, including 32.6% from 3.
Jordan Poole even got demoted to the bench. However, he looks more settled and composed in his second year. He has averaged 22.5 points in six outings and 5.0 assists, shooting 44.9%, including 45.3% from 3-point range.
He didn't have an efficient outing in the Wizards' 125-112 loss against Draymond Green and the Warriors, as he shot 8 of 20 for his 24 points, including 2 of 10 from deep. Nevertheless, Poole added three assists, four blocks and three steals while committing only one turnover.
Jordan Poole and Draymond Green go at each other
Jordan Poole and Draymond Green reignited their beef during the contest. It began with Poole hitting a 3 over his former teammate and taunting him by pointing at the former DPOY. However, Green returned the favor after he assisted Steph Curry for a corner 3 on the next play, which he hit over Poole.
The two even engaged in a verbal back-and-forth after Green jawed one of the Wizards' rookies. Poole dragged his teammate out of that altercation and chirped with Green himself.
Their altercation two years ago in practice hindered the Warriors' chemistry as they began their 2022 title defense. Jordan Poole had a down year, leading to his eventual trade the next offseason to the Wizards for Chris Paul's expiring contract. The animosity between them probably existed even after that.
However, Draymond Green's latest gesture to laud Poole may be a step closer to their feud ending.