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Jordan Poole Benched Or Better Role For The Team?

The highest paid Wizards player has been making a statement in his new role. Was Jordan Poole really demoted or was he set up for success with coming off the bench?

There was much anticipation when guard Jordan Poole joined the Wizards. The new leadership team was making a myriad of moves and all anyone could do was hope it was all for the best. To say, Jordan Poole’s tenure with the Wizards has started out rocky is an understatement. The night in and out return on the investment doesn’t seem to be there just yet. Of course, the highest paid player on the team would have to start, right?

Well, maybe not.

After the All Star break, it was announced that Jordan Poole would come off the bench. On first thought that would make anyone say that’s a bad sign for a starter to now be benched mid-season. However after the first three games after the break, coming off the bench seems like it could be Poole’s sweet spot. Perhaps thew narrative should be Jordan Poole is the sixth man vs he was benched.

Let’s take a look at his stats in the first three games back after the All-Star break:

Vs Denver Nuggets

Poole tallied 18 points (3-9 3PT), two steals, one rebound and one assist. In this game, Poole (700) reached 700 made three-pointers for his career in tonight’s contest.

Vs Oklahoma City Thunder

Poole scored a team-high 21 points, three assists and three rebounds.

Vs Cleveland Cavaliers

Poole scored a season-high 31 points (11-21 FG, 6-13 3PT), five rebounds, five assists and one steal. This was his first time as a Wizards with at least 30+ points, 5+ rebounds and 5+ assists.

Whether the role change lit a fire under Poole or is his sweet spot of where he’s most effective, this certainly looks like where he thrives. We will have to see if this is a consistent trend for him going forward. At any rate, this is the Jordan Poole that everyone has been waiting anxiously to see.