When Jordan Poole started this season with the Washington Wizards, he was seen as the perfect partner for Kyle Kuzma.
Fans of the team envisioned how Poole could help the team since he had been given a bigger leadership role than the one he had with the Golden State Warriors.
It didn’t turn out like that and Poole struggled for many weeks and was eventually moved to the bench.
To some, that could be seen as a major demotion, but Poole thinks it actually helped him.
“I wasn’t able to do what I was accustomed to doing in terms of how I built my game,” Poole said, per Andscape via NBACentral.
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
In his games as a starter for the Wizards, Poole averaged 15.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, shooting 40% from the floor and 30.3% from the three-point line.
Since becoming part of the team’s second unit, Poole has upped his numbers to 20.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 4.3 assists, scoring 43.4% from the field and 36.7% from downtown.
Poole is obviously feeling better about his game and it’s showing up on the scoreboard but the Wizards are still in truly awful shape.
They are officially the worst team in the league with a dismal 11-55 record and any chance of turning the season around is completely gone at this point.
It has some people wondering what is ahead for Poole and his Wizards.
There are already rumors of Kuzma being shipped away to a different team in the summer, but will Poole remain if that happens?
It is good that he is performing better and feeling more comfortable coming off the bench but Poole will need to keep improving his numbers if the Wizards have any chance of being competitive next season.
NEXT: Jordan Poole Sends A Message To His Haters