Home / Sports / Jordan Poole Benched as Pelicans Near Full Strength
Jordan Poole Benched as Pelicans Near Full Strength
2 Mar
Summary
- Murray and Murphy's return significantly impacts Poole's playing time.
- Poole faces an uphill battle for minutes, especially with Williamson back.
- Pelicans seek to move Poole due to performance and contract.
Jordan Poole's playing time with the New Orleans Pelicans has significantly diminished following the returns of Dejounte Murray and Trey Murphy. Murray is back after a 13-month recovery from an Achilles rupture, and Murphy is playing again after missing time since the All-Star break.
This near full-strength Pelicans roster presents a crowded perimeter rotation. Even with a preference for a ten-man rotation, not all players will see court time in the final 20 games. Poole has become the odd man out, facing a "Coach's Decision" DNP, similar to a prior nine-game stretch.
Poole's struggles are amplified as the Pelicans don't necessarily need his offensive contributions when Murray and Murphy are available. The team's focus is shifting to defense, an area where Poole is seen as a liability. This development is disappointing given the Pelicans traded for Poole hoping for an upgrade.
With $34 million on the books for next season, the Pelicans aim to move Poole in the offseason. However, his contract might make a trade difficult without additional concessions. Fans are unlikely to see much of Poole for the remainder of the current season.
