Kevin Garnett eviscerates Jordan Poole in epic rant

Washington Wizards guard Jordan Poole. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Kevin Garnett eviscerates Wizards' Jordan Poole in epic rant

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 11/24/23

Jordan Poole isn't adapting to his role as the Washington Wizard's lead guard. Bad shot selections, a perceived negative attitude and poor performances on both sides of the court have quickly soured the early weeks of his tenure in the capital.

Kevin Garnett hasn't been impressed with what he's seen from Poole either. The former Boston Celtics champion believes Poole should be out of the NBA due to a lack of maturity and leadership.

"You flexing champ s----, but you ain't bringing champion environment in here. You learned this in Golden State?" Garnett said on a recent episode of "KG Certified." "...He does not belong in the league. He's the head of the team... You see how he's talking to teammates? ...You can say whatever you want about me, but I ain't never disrespected the game, I ain't never disrespected the position of being a leader."

Poole is quickly developing a reputation for being immature and a disruptive presence within the locker room. Winning a championship so early in his career may have had a negative effect on his mindset and willingness to continue improving his game and ability to be a leader.

The Wizards' slow start to the season could spur them to dive back into the trade market, and if Poole is deemed to be hurting the roster's overall development, he could find himself back on the trade block.

There's no excuse for being petulant toward your teammates. The NBA is a brotherhood. If Poole develops a reputation for being disrespectful and troublesome, he will quickly find himself running out of options.

Being a leader means showing maturity and humility; right now, Poole isn't showing any signs of either.

Garnett may be right; Poole could find himself out of the league if he doesn't begin to change his ways. He might have all the talent necessary to be an elite player, but the way he carries himself could become his downfall.

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