Draymond Green’s infamous punch shattered everything Jordan Poole had built with the Warriors. Before that incident, Poole was seen as the franchise’s rising star—possibly even the rightful heir to Stephen Curry, according to Crickex Sign Up sources. But one moment changed the trajectory of his career. The physical blow was painful, but the psychological damage lingered longer, haunting his confidence and transforming him from a promising playmaker into a turnover-prone liability.

In the wake of the incident, Poole became the scapegoat for many Warriors fans, with his $30 million-per-year contract labeled a waste. To this day, debates continue over who was truly at fault—whether Green lashed out over contract jealousy or Poole provoked the situation. But one thing is certain: there was no longer a place for Poole in Golden State. Sometimes, a trade is the only path to peace—for both player and team.

Now, Poole has a chance to hit the reset button with the Washington Wizards. While the Wizards lack the pedigree and infrastructure of the Warriors, they offer something Poole has always craved—leadership. In D.C., he walks in as the unquestioned face of the franchise.

Poole has likely dreamed of this moment since signing his extension. Even in Golden State, there were glimpses of him as the focal point—during rebuilding stretches and injury spells. Yet back then, he wasn’t ready for the spotlight. Dubbed the “Ice Archer” for his inconsistent shooting, Poole eventually found rhythm leading the G League squad, even overshadowing Jeremy Lin at one point. That run helped him regain confidence and shed the unwanted nickname.

Crickex Sign Up analysts point to the 2021–2022 season as Poole’s true breakout. With Curry sidelined in March, he stepped up as the primary scorer and held the line during the Warriors’ toughest stretch. He showed flashes of maturity and leadership, but it was clear that as long as Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond remained, Poole would never be the alpha.

In Washington, the situation is different. The Wizards are rebuilding, and Poole is now their top offensive weapon by default. His face will be featured in marketing campaigns and game graphics. But being a leading scorer is not the same as being a franchise cornerstone. True franchise leaders must not only score but elevate teammates—an area where Poole still struggles.

Among his new teammates, Kyle Kuzma stands out as the most talented, but he is more of a scoring finisher than a facilitator. Crickex Sign Up reporters note that the Wizards now depend on Poole to generate offense for everyone—not just himself. That, more than anything, highlights the team’s low ceiling for the upcoming season.

When a roster leans on Poole for playmaking, it signals a full rebuild. Washington may be heading for another year in the NBA’s cellar, but for Poole, this is a defining chapter. If he can close the gap between shot-maker and true team leader, his story in D.C. could still be one of redemption.