The New Orleans Pelicans are gearing up for their training camp, which is set to begin in less than a month. This marks a crucial time for the team as they look to solidify their roster and prepare for the upcoming NBA season. Among the key players to watch is Jordan Poole, who the Pelicans hope will help elevate their offensive game.
Jordan Poole joined the Pelicans after a standout season with the Washington Wizards, where he averaged a career-high 20.5 points per game while shooting at impressive splits of 43.2% from the field, 37.8% from beyond the arc, and 88.3% from the free-throw line. However, his first season in New Orleans did not meet expectations, as he struggled significantly on the court.
Last year, Poole experienced one of the least productive seasons of his career, posting averages of just 13.4 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. His shooting splits also dipped to 37.2% from the field, 33.3% from three-point range, and 86.0% from the free-throw line. Given the context of his previous performance, many would categorize this as his worst season yet.
The 26-year-old guard faced numerous challenges, including injuries that hampered his ability to find a rhythm on offense. Poole himself admitted to playing through pain early in the season before eventually landing on the injured list. His struggles continued as he was removed from the lineup leading up to the trade deadline, a move that raised questions about his future with the team.
Now, with a hefty contract worth $34 million, Poole faces a competitive landscape for playing time. To secure a spot in the rotation, he must demonstrate significant improvement in his shooting efficiency. While he has shown the ability to score effectively throughout his seven-year NBA career, inconsistency has plagued him, particularly last season.
One of the most pressing areas for improvement is his finishing ability at the rim. Poole recorded a mere 51% accuracy on shots taken near the basket, placing him in the 16th percentile among NBA players, according to Cleaning The Glass. This lack of scoring at the rim has been a significant factor in his overall offensive struggles.
As training camp approaches, the best-case scenario for Poole seems to be a role coming off the bench. Competing for minutes against established players like Dejounte Murray and Jeremiah Fears will be no easy task, especially given their strong reputations within the team. Nonetheless, Poole has the opportunity for a fresh start under a new coaching staff, which could help him regain his confidence and efficiency.
With a full offseason to recover and reset his health, Poole has the potential to reclaim his scoring touch and contribute meaningfully to the Pelicans' offense. As the team prepares for the season, all eyes will be on him to see if he can turn things around and make an impact.
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