Best sixth man of the 2011/12 season, James Harden had an essential role in Oklahoma City. But it was when he arrived in Houston in 2012 that he became a star, then an MVP. The numbers show it: he averaged 12.7 points and 9 shots attempted as a substitute for the Thunder and will average 29.6 points and 20 shots with the Rockets. What if Jordan Poole followed this same path in Washington?
This is the theory launched by Kevin Garnett, in his show “KG Certified”. He draws a parallel between the 2018 MVP, who was behind Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook in Oklahoma City, and Jordan Poole, helmed by Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson in Golden State. For the 2004 MVP, the former Warriors can become the “new James Harden”.
“Harden handled it really well. The team was behind him, the franchise too, and the coaches too. He was given the confidence to be himself and that’s what’s happening here for me,” does he react to Monumental Sports Network. “The coach allows me to be aggressive, to play my game, just like my teammates. I feel like I’ve learned enough to do it properly and it’ll be cool to see how it goes. »
“Having a power duo is pretty cool”
Kyle Kuzma agrees with the comparison made by the former Boston player. “As KG said, Poole is a showman. On the fact of having been slowed down a little, it’s similar, that’s obvious. He now has the keys to do what he wants. »
To a much lesser extent than James Harden, Kyle Kuzma also experienced this transition period, moving from Los Angeles to Washington. Complementary player behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis, he gained volume with the Wizards and, with the departure of Bradley Beal, he is now the star of the team with Jordan Poole. Here too, Kevin Garnett is enthusiastic about this association.
“This is the first time that I will be able to form a duo, a tandem. I have always been part of good teams that had a lot of strong elements. Having a power duo is pretty cool,” rejoices the 2022 champion. “It’s always great to see great players, legends respect you. What he said about me and Jordan, it’s unbelievable,” continues Kyle Kuzma, champion in 2020, in reaction to Kevin Garnett’s comments. “We have an opportunity to really do something. »
| Jordan Poole | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2019-20 | GOS | 57 | 22 | 33.3 | 27.9 | 79.8 | 0.2 | 1.9 | 2.1 | 2.4 | 1.7 | 0.6 | 1.3 | 0.2 | 8.8 |
| 2020-21 | GOS | 51 | 19 | 43.2 | 35.1 | 88.2 | 0.3 | 1.5 | 1.8 | 1.9 | 1.7 | 0.5 | 1.0 | 0.2 | 12.0 |
| 2021-22 | GOS | 76 | 30 | 44.8 | 36.4 | 92.5 | 0.5 | 3.0 | 3.4 | 4.0 | 2.7 | 0.8 | 2.5 | 0.3 | 18.5 |
| 2022-23 | GOS | 82 | 30 | 43.0 | 33.6 | 87.0 | 0.4 | 2.4 | 2.7 | 4.5 | 2.6 | 0.8 | 3.1 | 0.3 | 20.4 |
| Total | 266 | 26 | 42.1 | 33.9 | 87.8 | 0.3 | 2.3 | 2.6 | 3.4 | 2.3 | 0.7 | 2.1 | 0.2 | 15.8 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
