Jordan Poole left a legacy with the Wizards. Just ask his former teammates

Poole's impact went beyond the court as he mentored young Wizards players

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Jordan Poole, now with the New Orleans Pelicans, made a lasting impression on his former Washington Wizards teammates during his two seasons with the team. Despite the Wizards' struggles, Poole was praised by younger players like Bilal Coulibaly, Kyshawn George, and Tristan Vukčević for his mentorship, positivity, and support both on and off the court. Poole's contract ultimately helped the Wizards acquire Trae Young, but his legacy with the team is defined by the impact he had on developing his former teammates.

Why it matters

Poole's story highlights the importance of veteran leadership and mentorship, even on struggling teams. His ability to boost the confidence and morale of younger players is a valuable trait that can have a lasting impact, even if a player's on-court production doesn't meet expectations. This speaks to the multifaceted nature of an NBA player's value and legacy.

The details

Poole was traded from the Golden State Warriors to the Wizards in 2024, where he spent two seasons. Despite the team's poor record during his tenure, Poole made a concerted effort to support and encourage his younger teammates. He would frequently check in on them, offer advice, and try to keep the locker room atmosphere positive. This mentorship was particularly impactful for players like Coulibaly, George, and Vukčević, who credited Poole with helping them adjust to the NBA game and maintain confidence despite early struggles.

  • Poole was traded to the Wizards in 2024.
  • Poole spent two seasons with the Wizards from 2024 to 2026.
  • The Wizards traded Poole, Saddiq Bey and a 2025 second-round pick to the Pelicans in the summer of 2026.

The players

Jordan Poole

A 26-year-old guard who spent two seasons with the Washington Wizards before being traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in the summer of 2026.

Bilal Coulibaly

A young Wizards player who credited Poole with helping him adjust to the NBA and providing support both on and off the court.

Kyshawn George

A Wizards rookie who struggled with his 3-point shooting early in the season, but said Poole's encouragement and advice helped him improve and gain confidence.

Tristan Vukčević

A European center who joined the Wizards in 2024 and said Poole was always engaged with the young players, providing encouragement and positivity.

Trae Young

The star point guard the Wizards acquired in a trade that was facilitated in part by Poole's contract.

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What they’re saying

“He just kept my head straight. I didn't necessarily shoot it well at the beginning of the season, but he was always there to tell me, 'Keep going. Keep going. We need you to make shots at the end of the season. We need you to make shots through the next couple of years on the road, the important shots.'”

— Kyshawn George, Wizards player (The Athletic)

“He was always engaged with us young guys. During the game, he would always come up and talk to you, give you encouragement. It was a great two years sharing a locker room with him, for sure.”

— Tristan Vukčević, Wizards player (The Athletic)

“He helped me a lot in my rookie year, getting (me) used to the NBA game. I always keep in touch with him, hoping he's doing good. That's my guy.”

— Alex Sarr, Wizards player (The Athletic)

What’s next

Poole's future with the Pelicans remains uncertain, as he has fallen out of the rotation under interim coach James Borrego. It will be interesting to see if Poole can regain a role in New Orleans or if he ends up moving to another team in the offseason.

The takeaway

Jordan Poole's impact on the Wizards went beyond his on-court production, as he proved to be an invaluable mentor and positive presence for the team's younger players. His ability to boost their confidence and morale during a difficult stretch shows the multifaceted value a veteran player can provide, even on a struggling team. Poole's legacy in Washington will be defined by the lasting impression he left on his former teammates.