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WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 09: Jordan Poole #13 of the Washington Wizards looks on from the bench against the Philadelphia 76ers during first half at Capital One Arena on April 9, 2025 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Jordan Poole probably thought he was saying all the right things during his first media appearance with the New Orleans Pelicans on September 23rd. After spending the last two seasons playing for the lowly Washington Wizards, Poole knows how to keep expectations mild.
New Orleans, like Washington, is not expected to take the NBA by storm this season, even after adding two lottery picks and Poole this offseason.
While trying to explain how happy he is for a change of scenery and to reunite with former Golden State Warriors teammate Kevon Looney, who signed with the Pelicans this summer, he (presumably) accidentally insulted his former teammates.
GettyWASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 21: Jordan Poole #13 of the Washington Wizards looks to shoot the ball against the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half at Capital One Arena on February 21, 2025 in Washington, DC.
Jordan Poole Calls Out Wizards’ Centers
Between Derick Queen, Zion Williamson, Yves Missi, and Looney, the Pelicans have their fair share of size, which should allow ample opportunities for Poole, Dejounte Murray, and Jeremiah Fears to thrive in the pick-and-roll.
That’s something Poole seems to relish.
“I haven’t had a good screen in two years,” he joked with reporters.
Considering that Poole played with solid centers like Daniel Gafford and Jonas Valančiūnas in Washington, as well as second overall pick Alexandre Sarr, it’s hard not to take his comments negatively.
However, to defend him, Looney is the most experienced center he has ever shared the floor with, so it’s fair for him to see the move as an overall upgrade.
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 05: Jordan Poole #13 of the Washington Wizards in action during the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on February 05, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Wizards won 119-102. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Stats Don’t Back Up Poole’s Claim
While the Wizards failed to play winning basketball while Poole was in town, he got more than his fair share of screens from his bigs in the capital.
Last season, Poole ranked 28th in the entire league in pick-and-roll possessions per game and scored the 25th most points out of any player in the NBA after having a screen set for him.
28th and 25th might not seem like a lot, but that’s out of 332 eligible players, per NBA tracking data.
Granted, Pelicans’ point guard Dejounte Murray ranked slightly higher in each category, and the addition of Looney should help, although New Orleans is not expected to be in “elite” territory.
While Sarr might not have been a star next to Poole, leaving a young player out to dry is not a good look for a player who seems to be working on his leadership. Plus, roll man Tristan Vukcevic ranked 18th in the league in points per game, so clearly he was able to get open and have Poole set him up for success.
This season, Queen will start the year on the bench with an injury, and Missi, only a second-year player, will likely be paired with Poole heavily, so unless Williamson is healthy for the entire season, Poole should be in a similar situation.
Jonah Kubicek Jonah Kubicek has been covering the NBA since 2021 and has served as a writer, editor, and social media manager. When he’s not catching a game, he can be found cooking, reading, or meticulously planning his garden. More about Jonah Kubicek
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