Washington Wizards Guard Jordan Poole Delivering on Trade Hype
When the Washington Wizards made the move to bring in guards Jordan Poole and Tyus Jones it launched the narrative around the team into talks of rebuilding and just how long it would take to become a contender.
Poole was sent to the Wizards from the Golden State Warriors in a move that was predicted from the moment forward Draymond Green's fist made contact with Poole's face, effectively ending any chance that roster would stay intact.
Jones was stuck in backup purgatory with the Memphis Grizzlies prior to his being traded to Washington where he'll get the opportunity to run an offense with playmakers to take advantage of his highly efficient playing style.
Coming into the season, however, not all the numbers looked like upsides for the Wizards, especially with Poole's 12.2 turnovers per 100 possessions which ranked third-most among players with usage rates of 25 percent or more.
That kind of turnover damage can undo the efficiency a player like Jones brings, and even erase the 83 steals he had last season.
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Washington Wizards guard Jordan Poole (13) reacts to a teammate's three point shot as he sits court side with fans during the third quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
So far, through four preseason games, Poole has been able to reduce his turnovers well below the 3.1 per game he averaged in his last season with the Warriors.
Forward Kyle Kuzma hasn't been as efficient, however, as his preseason average comes in at 3.5 turnovers per game which is half a turnover more than last season and fifth-most in the NBA.
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Granted, Kuzma only played in two of the four games, but that number certainly needs to come down when the regular season gets started on October 25th.
Where Poole did come up big for Washington this preseason is in the scoring margins.
His three three-point shots made per game tied for ninth-best while his total of 12 ranked eighth, just behind Stephen Curry of Golden State, and this preseason we believe Poole has shown he's every bit of what Wizards fans anticipated he might be when the trade first hit the news cycle.
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