‣ Poole’s performance has been underwhelming this season, with averages of 15.7 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, which are lower compared to his previous season’s career highs. This has led to discussions about his contract being one of the worst in the league.
‣ Wizards interim coach Brian Keefe moved Poole to a sixth-man role from the starting lineup to evaluate younger players and possibly maximize the team’s performance, indicating a strategic shift in his utilization.
Jordan Poole has to be worst contract in NBA history lol
— Per Sources (@PerSources)
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Jordan Poole, who guards for the Washington Wizards, is swimming in a pool of cash. We’re talking a whopping $95.54 million over the next three seasons. Yep, you heard that right. This massive chunk of change is thanks to the four-year, $128 million rookie-scale contract extension he inked with the Golden State Warriors back in October 2022.
Fast forward to July 2023. The Warriors decided to trade Poole, alongside Ryan Rollins and Patrick Baldwin Jr., plus a couple of future draft picks. All of this hoopla was part of a deal to snag Chris Paul from Washington.
Now, here’s where it gets spicy. Poole’s contract is, well, not exactly celebrated. Some folks reckon it’s one of the worst in the league. And when you stack it up next to Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons, who’s raking in $37.89 million this season alone, eyebrows definitely start to raise.
Simmons, by the way, secured a five-year, $177 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers back in July 2019. Quite the payday, huh?
And then there’s this tweet that just throws shade like it’s sunny in July: “Jordan Poole has to be worst contract in NBA history lol.” Ouch.
But wait, there’s more. Before the Wizards decided to trade Paul to Golden State, they had another deal. They sent Paul and Landry Shamet off to Washington in exchange for some second-round draft picks, cash, and a trio of players.
Now, onto the juicy bit. Simmons, Beal, and Poole are all sitting pretty with hefty paychecks. But here’s the kicker – Poole’s on a team that’s, well, not exactly killing it on the court. And despite being the top earner, he’s not the top guard. Talk about a plot twist.
The guy’s been in the league for five years, but this season? It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster. With 53 games under his belt, he’s averaging 15.7 points, 2.4 rebounds, and a few other stats that don’t exactly scream “I’m worth $95.54 million.”
And then, there was Thursday night. Poole came off the bench against the Denver Nuggets. His performance? Let’s just say it’s not his best season. His shooting percentages have dipped since his rookie year.
But last season with the Dubs was a different story. He was on fire, hitting career highs left, right, and center. So, what changed?
Enter Wizards interim coach Brian Keefe. He decided it was time to shake things up and moved Poole to a sixth-man role. The idea? Give some of the younger players a chance to shine.
And then there’s this tweet that sums it all up: “Jordan Poole’s career has been wild.” From a rocky rookie season to being benched on a struggling team. It’s been a ride.
Keefe’s strategy? He’s looking to maximize the team’s potential and get the best out of everyone, including Poole. But there’s this nagging question – is Poole really worth $30 million a season? Or is he just stuck in a tough spot with the Wizards?
Maybe, just maybe, Poole shines brightest when he’s not the main guy. He certainly seemed to thrive surrounded by veterans like Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson.
But let’s not forget, the Wizards are in a rough spot, with one of the worst records in the league. And yet, Poole managed to score a career-high 43 points in a game last season. Maybe there’s hope yet.
So, what’s the verdict on Jordan Poole? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure – his journey in the NBA has been anything but predictable.
