Washington Wizards guard Jordan Poole doesn’t lack confidence. He is unapologetically himself. After spending four seasons with the Golden State Warriors, he was traded to the Washington Wizards amid a rebuild. Poole was a part of the starting lineup for most of the season. However, after 52 games, the team moved him to the bench. While many would see this as a demotion, Jordan Poole sees it as a way for him to play his game better.
Washington Wizards Jordan Poole On Bench Role
Jordan Poole has admitted that he wasn't able to play his game as a point guard until Washington moved him to the bench
“I wasn’t able to do what I was accustomed to doing in terms of how I built my game.”
(Via https://t.co/96p70o63ad) pic.twitter.com/C5g4mrAWcc
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 15, 2024
Through the first 52 games, Jordan Poole averaged 15.6 points and 3.7 assists on 40% shooting for the Washington Wizards. He became the punchline for many jokes on social media, but part of it was not his fault. The Wizards do not have a great roster, and any time Poole got the ball, he would be swarmed by defenders. In Golden State, Poole had more freedom because teams had to worry about Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and other shooters. “I wasn’t able to do what I was accustomed to doing in terms of how I built my game,” Poole said.
The move to the bench helped free up his game. Since taking over the bench unit, Jordan Poole has averaged 20.5 points and 4.3 assists per game on 43.4% shooting. There is more space in the second units, and it gives the Washington Wizards a boost when the starters head to the bench.
Washington Wizards May Have Their Sixth Man
As the Washington Wizards look to rebuild, they will be looking for which pieces are a part of the future. Jordan Poole is only 24 years old and has an NBA Finals under his belt. While his game has flaws, he is likely far from a finished product. Teams have a variety of needs. If Poole isn’t the next superstar, the team can still use him. Every championship team has a solid sixth man. Poole could be the leader of the second unit for years to come.
The Washington Wizards are in a tough spot right now. This year’s draft doesn’t have the star power that last year had. A top three pick isn’t as valuable. Still, the team needs young talent and we never know how a player will develop. It will be interesting to see what the team does with Poole. Will they keep him long term or use him as trade bait?
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Matt Brown has been following sports since he was a kid. While football is his primary focus, Matt can talk about any sport anytime. He is a banker in Wisconsin and hosts two podcasts, Beers and Ears & Discontinued on Display.
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