Can Jordan Poole be the Wizards point guard of the future?

The Washington Wizards entered the season with head coach Brian Keefe putting his trust into returning guard Jordan Poole early on. 

Washington made moves in the offseason to bolster the team's depth. One of the offseason additions was the acquisition of versatile guard Malcolm Brogdon. However, even with the move, the Wizards opted to put their belief in Poole to be the team’s primary guard to start the season.

Now, with a couple of games under his belt to start the year, it may be time to discuss if the Michigan product can be the answer for Washington not only this year but for years to come.

Is Point Poole here to stay?

The Wizards have played three games so far this season, and while that’s not many, it’s enough to begin discussions on the future of one of the most important positions on the team moving forward. As mentioned above, Poole was named the team’s starting point guard to start the season, and through three games, the 25-year-old hasn’t disappointed thus far.

Poole is averaging 22 points, five assists, and one rebound through the first few games of the season. The guard is shooting 51.2% from the floor and 61.5% from three to start. These numbers are bound to change as the season progresses, but up to this point, Poole has seemingly leaped a primary ball handler in the offseason.

Not only has he been much more efficient as a shottaker this season, but Poole has developed as a willing facilitator and limited turnovers to an extent. In addition to his hot offensive start, Poole has taken on the challenge as a defender as well. Through three games, the combo guard is averaging three steals per game.

Although it’s a short sample size, Poole has stepped up to the opportunity that the Wizards coaching staff has put in front of them.

By no means does that mean he can be a superstar guard and develop into a Stephen Curry or Damian Lillard? No. But it does put forth multiple consistent performances that can give the team comfortability moving forward with Poole at point guard. 

At 25, the guard is right in between leading a young team and becoming a veteran that may be looked at as too old to fit Washington’s timeframe. Nonetheless, with his ability to score at an explosive rate, and his development into a playmaker, it may be worth taking the flier for years to come if he continues to string together these performances through a whole season.

Only time will tell, but after three games, Poole’s future in Washington looks bright to start the year.