Jordan Poole

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    Jordan Poole Bio

    Jordan Anthony Poole (born June 19, 1999) is an American professional basketball player for the New Orleans Pelicans of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Michigan Wolverines and won an NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors in 2022. Drafted in the first round of the 2019 NBA draft, Poole has developed into a significant scorer and playmaker, known by the nickname “Poole Party.”

    Early Life and Background

    Jordan Anthony Poole was born on June 19, 1999, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He is the son of Anthony Poole and Monet Poole, and he grew up alongside an older sister who attended Marquette and a younger sister. Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing around 195 pounds, Poole developed his basketball skills at a young age in his hometown.

    Poole attended Rufus King High School in Wisconsin, where he made an early mark by hitting a game-tying three-pointer as a freshman after coming off the bench. As a highly recruited blue-chip prospect, he drew interest from Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Drake, and Marquette before committing to Michigan in October 2015. At the time of his commitment, he was ranked as the second overall prospect and the top shooting guard in the national class of 2017.

    Before his senior year, Poole transferred to La Lumiere School in Indiana to experience a campus lifestyle and play on a nationally televised schedule. At La Lumiere, he teamed up with top unsigned prospects and helped lead the school to the 2017 Dick’s National High School Championship, posting 13 points in the title game against Montverde Academy.

    Path to Basketball

    Poole signed his letter of intent with Michigan in November 2016 as part of a three-scholarship incoming class. He quickly made an impact during his freshman year with the Michigan Wolverines, scoring a team- and career-high 19 points in his Big Ten debut against Indiana on December 2, 2017. He helped Michigan win the 2018 Big Ten tournament and advance to the national championship game that season.

    During his sophomore season, Poole’s role expanded significantly. He set a career high of 26 points against South Carolina and earned Big Ten Player of the Week honors in December 2018. Following the season, he was named a 2019 All-Big Ten honorable mention and declared for the 2019 NBA draft alongside teammates Ignas Brazdeikis and Charles Matthews.

    Jordan Poole Career

    Early Career (2019–2021)

    Jordan Poole was selected 28th overall by the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the 2019 NBA draft and signed his rookie scale contract in July 2019. He made his NBA debut on October 24, 2019, against the Los Angeles Clippers, coming off the bench with five points, two rebounds, and two assists. He earned his first NBA start on October 29, 2019, against the New Orleans Pelicans, scoring 13 points.

    Poole was assigned to the Santa Cruz Warriors of the NBA G League, where he impressed with performances of 23 and 31 points in his first two appearances. Returning to Golden State, he set a then career-high 21 points against the Orlando Magic in January 2020 and later posted 38 points in a win over the New Orleans Pelicans in May 2021 while competing for minutes in a crowded shooting guard rotation.

    Golden State Warriors Breakthrough (2021–2023)

    Poole secured the starting shooting guard role for the 2021–22 Warriors and quickly delivered. On November 21, 2021, he scored 33 points on a career-high eight three-pointers in a win over the Toronto Raptors. When Stephen Curry was sidelined late in the season, Poole scored 20 or more points in 18 of the final 20 games, including 17 consecutive 20-point performances. He edged out Curry to lead the NBA in free throw percentage at 92.5 percent, the first time in 45 years teammates finished one-two in that category.

    In the 2022 NBA playoffs, Poole made his postseason debut with 30 points in a Game 1 win over the Denver Nuggets and helped the Warriors defeat the Boston Celtics to win the NBA championship. He averaged 17.0 points on 50.8 percent shooting during the title run. Following the season, he signed a four-year contract extension worth $123 million with $17 million in incentives.

    Poole continued his scoring surge in 2022–23, posting a career-high 43 points against the Toronto Raptors in December 2022 and recording a 12-assist game against the Oklahoma City Thunder in February 2023. Despite his regular-season production, his role and minutes fluctuated, and the Warriors were eliminated by the Los Angeles Lakers in the conference semifinals.

    Washington Wizards Era (2023–2025)

    On July 6, 2023, the Warriors traded Jordan Poole, Patrick Baldwin Jr., Ryan Rollins, and draft picks to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Chris Paul. Poole debuted for the Wizards on October 25, 2023, with 18 points and five assists against the Indiana Pacers. He later scored 38 points against the Brooklyn Nets on March 27, 2024.

    Moved to point guard for the 2024–25 season, Poole posted his first 40-point performance as a Wizard with 42 against San Antonio on November 14, 2024. On February 7, 2025, he scored a career-high 45 points in a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, and on March 31, 2025, he surpassed Bradley Beal’s franchise record by finishing the season with 235 made three-pointers.

    New Orleans Pelicans (2025–Present)

    On July 6, 2025, Jordan Poole was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in a three-team deal that sent him, Saddiq Bey, and the draft rights to Micah Peavy to New Orleans. The move marked a fresh start for Poole following his two seasons in Washington, positioning him within a youthful Pelicans roster looking to build its backcourt.

    Driving Style and Strengths

    Although he was initially criticized for a lack of polish, Poole developed into a dynamic and efficient scorer throughout his Warriors tenure. He is a prolific finisher at the rim, frequently slashing to the basket using his ball-handling and speed while also creating efficient mid-range shots. His improvement as a passer, including a career-high 4.0 assists per game in a combo guard role, drew comparisons to Stephen Curry and earned him the “third Splash Brother” label from basketball media.

    Notable Events and Milestones

    Poole’s signature early moment came on March 17, 2018, when he hit a game-winning buzzer-beating three-pointer against Houston in the 2018 NCAA tournament. In the NBA, he became the first member of the 2019 draft class to reach 900 career three-pointers and led the league in free throw percentage during the championship season. He set career highs of 45 points with Washington and earned All-NBA G League Third Team honors in 2021.

    Jordan Poole Career Wins

    Jordan Poole’s most prominent career victory came in 2022 when he helped the Golden State Warriors win the NBA championship over the Boston Celtics. He also captured the 2018 Big Ten tournament championship with Michigan and the 2017 Dick’s National High School Championship with La Lumiere School.

    NBA Championship Highlights

    Poole’s standout playoff performances during the 2022 NBA Finals run included 30 points in his Game 1 debut against the Denver Nuggets and consistent scoring throughout the postseason, averaging 17.0 points on 50.8 percent shooting from the field. His free throw percentage crown and late-season surge were instrumental in Golden State’s title push.

    Other Wins and Performances

    In addition to his NBA championship, Poole was part of Michigan’s 2018 Big Ten tournament title and the 2017 Dick’s National High School Championship at La Lumiere. He also earned 2019 All-Big Ten honorable mention recognition and the 2021 All-NBA G League Third Team selection following his stint with the Santa Cruz Warriors.

    Jordan Poole Family

    Family Background and Basketball Lineage

    Jordan Poole is the son of Anthony Poole and Monet Poole. He has an older sister who attended Marquette and a younger sister. His family’s support throughout his development in Milwaukee helped shape his early basketball journey.

    Personal Life

    Poole grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and remains connected to his family roots. Beyond his basketball commitments, he is recognized by his popular nickname “Poole Party,” a phrase embraced by fans and teammates throughout his professional career.

    2025 Season Performance

    Jordan Poole’s 2024–25 campaign with the Washington Wizards showcased his evolution into a primary scoring option. Moved to point guard, he posted multiple 40-point performances, including a career-high 45 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers on February 7, 2025. He capped the season by breaking Bradley Beal’s franchise record with 235 made three-pointers.

    On July 6, 2025, Poole was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans, marking the next chapter of his career. His proven scoring ability and three-point shooting make him a valuable addition to a Pelicans team seeking offensive firepower alongside its emerging young core.

    Looking ahead, Poole is expected to play a central role in New Orleans’ rotation, with his ability to play both guard positions providing flexibility for the coaching staff. His momentum from a record-setting individual season in Washington suggests he could emerge as a primary offensive weapon for the Pelicans.