Report: Washington Wizards Guard Jordan Poole May Not Be Part of Teams' Future Plans
The Washington Wizards have gotten off to a poor start and when that happens people tend to look for someone to blame.
Well, Wizards guard Jordan Poole has been the one drawing most of the criticism from fans, NBA legends, analysts and insiders alike.
In a recent interview with Yahoo Sports Senior NBA reporter Jake Fischer, he talked about the transition from role-player with the Golden State Warriors to being the main man in Washington.
"Obviously, I wanted to be in a position to have my own team," Poole told Yahoo Sports. "Luckily, I'm able to do that so young, after learning from some of the best."
Washington Wizards guard Jordan Poole (13) reacts to a teammate's three point shot as he sits court side with fans during the third quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
It's clear he views the Wizards as his team and thinks the future of the franchise runs through him.
But according to NBA insider Marc Stein, Washington may not view Poole the same way.
Stein examined if the Wizards could just want Poole to build up his trade value for a future move or see him as a 'cornerstone player.'
"My sense, from speaking to various league observers," Stein said. " Is that more believe it is the former rather than the latter."
If Washington does plan on Poole boosting his trade value, it doesn't look good right now as the starting guard is having his worst year since being a rookie in 2020.
Poole has a 48 percent effective field goal percentage and is only shooting 30 percent from three-point territory, which are way below league average.
Not to mention the guard has a -131 plus/minus and a -21.7 net rating.
These statistics don't give you an in-depth look at player performance but it does show you that when he is on the floor the Wizards are getting beat pretty handily.
And they are definitely not numbers you want to see from someone you're paying north of 27 million dollars.
Some of this can go back to Poole just adjusting to the new role and new team so far.
We all can struggle in new environments with different expectations and Poole is no different.
It's not as easy to get open shots when you're the guy the other teams are game-planning for.
Probably hurts not having the blanket of future Hall of Famer Steph Curry as well.
Only in year one of his four-year 140 million dollar extension, if Poole wants to be the guy that turns this franchise around he still can do that.
If and when a trade does happen it may end up costing Washington more than they would acquire.
As Poole gets more comfortable Washington is hopeful that he will turn it around and get back to that 2022 postseason form we all marveled at.
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