There are a lot of new faces in the New Orleans Pelicans locker room this season, but that doesn't mean they are all strangers.
One key addition from this offseason was guard Jordan Poole, whom the Pelicans acquired from the Washington Wizards in exchange for CJ McCollum.
Poole has seen it all. He was a key piece to a championship team for the Golden State Warriors and had to grit through a 15-win season with the Wizards last year.
Along with being experienced off the floor, he could be a crucial piece to the development of this team off of it.
Not only has he been quickly accepted by his new teammates, but he has a couple of former teammates on the squad with him.
When asking another player about playing with Poole, the initial reaction is always a smile and a laugh. He's vocal guy, funny and seems to really care. He has their respect. Perfect qualities for someone who is still transitioning into being a leader rather than just the young guy off the bench.
Saddiq Bey, who was with the guard in Washington last season and was a part of this offseason's big trade, got the chance to see Poole grow into that leadership role on a young Wizards squad.
"He cares about the game, wants to do the right thing, wants to set the floor. I watched all 82 games on the bench last year. I've seen his development over time and I've seen him in a kind of different role here. It's been good to see how he's been adapting," said Bey about Poole's growth.
The Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks standout wing hasn't played in an NBA game in over 18 months. He hasn't touched the floor with Poole yet, but that will change soon. Still, watching from the sidelines, Bey walked away impressed with the guard.
Someone who has a little bit more experience with Poole is former Warriors big Kevon Looney. They were teammates for four years and have clearly built up a meaningful friendship.
"I haven't had a good screen in two years," joked Poole about his time away from Looney. "[He] is a really big pickup for how I play, but I think it's huge for our whole team too. For the young guys, [Derik Queen], for [Yves] Missi, for opening up the guys like Trey [Murphy], [Jordan Hawkins] and Herb [Jones]. And just our experience."
Looney called upon the fact that they are both from Milwaukee as a reason that they have grown so close over the years.
"[We've] played in the league together and won the championship. We've been in the most high pressure situation together. I'm looking forward to playing with him against in a new environment and try to do something special again.
They are no longer playing along Steph Curry and the other Golden State greats over the years, but don't tell any of the players in New Orleans that. It's a very talented group and they know it.
Expectations are high for everyone involved. For them to reach the ceiling, Poole will need to continue to his growth. All who have played with him before certainly seem to think that it can happen.