Wizards' Poole emotional in return to Golden State

Jordan Poole's return to the Bay Area didn't go in the Washington Wizards' favor, but it was still a memorable night for the ex-Golden State Warriors guard.

Poole received a standing ovation from the Chase Center crowd during his introduction and video tribute before he exchanged jerseys with former teammate and fellow Milwaukee native Kevon Looney.

"He's the person I'm the closest with," Poole told reporters postgame, according to Danny Emerman of The Mercury News. "He's always had my back. I love that guy. I told him as soon as I saw him, I need the jersey. But we talk all the time, we chop it up. That relationship means a lot to me just because he helped me my entire time here."

Golden State drafted Poole 28th overall in 2019. He emerged from a reserve to a key part of the team's rotation, averaging 17 points on 50.8% shooting over 22 postseason appearances during the franchise's latest championship run.

The Michigan product signed a four-year, $128-million contract extension with Golden State in October 2022. However, the Warriors traded Poole to the Wizards this past summer in a draft-night deal involving Chris Paul.

Earlier in the week, Golden State head coach Steve Kerr described the ending of Poole's tenure as "unfortunate." The Warriors bench boss was elated with the warm welcome Poole received.

"It was wonderful," Kerr said. "The video and the ovation Jordan got, to me, was the highlight of the game. So well deserved for what he did for our organization and for our fans, players, and coaches.

"Just the work that he put in and obviously becoming a key member of a championship team, Jordan deserved that ovation. It was wonderful to see."