Jordan Poole knows Draymond Green all too well and doesn't want his Washington Wizards teammates to get into back-and-forths with him. During Monday's game between the Wizards and the Golden State Warriors, Poole saw rookie Carlton "Bub" Carrington exchange words with Green and immediately got in between them.
Poole was being a good leader there. Nothing good can come out of Carrington talking to Green, who is one of the better trash-talkers in the NBA.
Poole wanted to protect his rookie, much to Draymond's amusement. The two then chatted for a while and, fortunately, no punch was thrown this time around. While this conversation seemed cordial enough, it's clear there is still some tension between them, over two years after Green infamously punched Poole during a practice session.
Just before halftime in this game, Poole and Green taunted each other. First, the Wizards guard pointed at the Warriors forward after hitting a three over him. On the very next play, Stephen Curry hit a three over Poole and Green returned the favor by pointing at him.
Green would end up getting the last laugh in the game as well, as the Warriors won 125-112 to improve to 6-1 on the season. The 34-year-old ended the night with 18 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and a block.
As for Poole, he had 24 points, one rebound, three assists, three steals, and four blocks as the Wizards dropped to 2-4. The guard's second season with the team has gotten off to a much better start than his first and here's hoping he keeps it up.
Carrington, meanwhile, had 16 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. The 19-year-old, who was selected with the 14th pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, has had an impressive start to his career and looks like one of the better players in his class.
Draymond Green Praised Jordan Poole and Carlton Carrington After The Game
Green went at the Wizards during this game but was full of praise for the team afterward. When asked about rookie Kyshawn George, Draymond stated he is a big fan of him and Carrington.
"I'm a big fan of him and Bub," Green said. "The energy that they bring, the demeanor that they bring. That's the first time we've seen a Washington Wizards team play hard in years and it's because of them two guys' energy. They come out talking, they barking... I came into the league with that kind of energy."
Green also added that the two rookies earned his respect. The four-time All-Star was also asked about Poole and was quite complimentary.
“He's playing a lot better," Green said. "His shot selection… you come to a new situation... as a competitor, you just want to show everything that you can do. Show that you're the guy and I think last year he was pressing a lot. He just wanted it to happen so bad and this year he is a lot more settled in. Some of the shots that he was taking last year - they were bad shots.
"I don't think it was a matter of selfishness, I think it was a matter of wanting it so bad," Green continued. "To prove to people that I can have my own team and I can come here and be successful, that it ends up working against you. This year, he's doing much better.
"He had one turnover tonight," Green added. "That speaks to the patience that he's now playing with. I think he's doing a really good job of settling in now and letting the game come to him. Not necessarily chasing after it."
Those were some very kind words. Poole is averaging 22.5 points, 1.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 2.8 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game in 2024-25. He's playing the way the Wizards expected him to when they acquired him from the Warriors back in 2022.
Poole and the Wizards will take on the Memphis Grizzlies next on Friday, at 8 PM ET. They will enter that contest on a two-game losing streak and would be keen to get back to winning ways.
