Jordan Poole caught a lot of flack for acting the way he did during the Wizards‘ 98-112 loss against the Celtics. Stephen A. Smith in particular went in on Poole. When asked about Smith’s comments, Poole was dismissive, noting that he doesn’t watch his show, and considers his comments nothing more than barbershop talk.
Reporter: “Stephen A. Smith criticized you for how you celebrated against the Celtics. Do you care about stuff like that?”
Jordan Poole: “I don’t even be watching him. That’s just barber shop talk to me.”
Reporter: “Stephen A. Smith criticized you for how you celebrated against the Celtics. Do you care about stuff like that?”
Jordan Poole: “I don’t even be watching him. That’s just barber shop talk to me.” 🗣️
(via @joshvaldez100) pic.twitter.com/93GB2zXDLo
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 18, 2024
Jordan Poole broke Payton Pritchard’s ankles during the Wizards-Celtics game, and rather than take the shot, he pointed at Pritchard and then passed the ball to another teammate. He was criticized greatly for letting go of an open look just to mock his opponent.
Stephen A. Smith in particular took exception to Poole’s antics, pointing to the fact that he has been a disappointment since leaving the Warriors, and rather than try and improve his game, Poole chooses to showboat and act silly. Smith added that Poole has earned the situation that he is in right now.
“We all know he caused a little trouble in Golden State. We know how Draymond responded to that, and ultimately how he couldn’t stay there any longer. So he gets moved… Gone from a champion [Warriors] to a team that since he has arrived… 70 games under .500 but you showboated. That’s why his a** is in the nation’s capital. And they’re doing how they’re doing.”
"Gone from a champion [in the Warriors] to a [Wizards] team that since he has arrived is 18-88. 70 games under .500 but you showboated. That's why his a*s is in the nation's capital."
Stephen A. Smith on Jordan Poole's taunt to Payton Pritchard.pic.twitter.com/KrVOuhvhG2
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 17, 2024
Poole has been poor since joining the Wizards, as the team has gone 18-82 in the games that he has played for the franchise. His career has taken a massive downturn since leaving the Warriors, where he showed signs of genuine promise, even helping the team win the 2022 NBA championship.
Can Jordan Poole Redeem His Career?
Jordan Poole was once considered one of the future stars of the NBA. In 2022, he averaged 18.5 points, 4.0 assists, 3.4 rebounds, 0.8 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game while shooting 44.8% from the field, 36.4% from deep, and 92.5% from the free-throw line, en route to winning the 2022 NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors.
However, things took a turn in the following offseason, as he got into a physical altercation with Draymond Green at practice. The incident significantly affected Poole and his chemistry with the rest of the team. The following season, he averaged 20.4 points, 4.5 assists, 2.7 rebounds, 0.8 steals, and 0.3 blocks while shooting 43.0% from the field, 33.6% from the three-point line, and 87.5% from the free-throw line.
The Warriors decided to move on from him after seeing his performances decline and his attitude deteriorate, trading him to the Washington Wizards. Since leaving the Warriors and joining the Wizards, Poole has averaged 18.0 points, 4.6 assists, 2.6 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game while shooting 41.8% from the field, 34.2% from deep, and 87.2% from the free-throw line.
Poole must improve his efficiency and start playing more team-oriented basketball if he wants to turn his career around. On the Wizards, Poole is chucking up several shots, which is why his percentages have been consistently declining in the last few years.
On top of that, he also needs to improve his attitude. He signed a massive four-year, $128 million contract in 2022. But at the rate at which he is going, that contract may be the last payday of his career. Things need to change and change soon for Jordan Poole.
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