On Thursday, the Washington Wizards suffered a 130-110 beatdown at the hands of the reigning NBA champion Denver Nuggets. Washington's defensive intensity seemed to be almost nonexistent as Denver poured in an NBA single-game season-high 88 points in the paint.
Alongside poor effort on the defensive end, several Wizards players struggled to find their touch offensively. Deni Avdija snapped his four-game streak of double-digit scoring while Jordan Poole shot a pedestrian 4-of-17 during the rout, including a 0-of-6 clip from inside the painted area.
Another poor shooting performance from Poole against the Nuggets has sparked further distaste from the fan base, even more so after the news that head coach Brian Keefe had opted to move Poole to the bench prior to tip-off. The rotational shake-up has left Poole disappointed, which he made evident with his comments following the game.
Spoke to a displeased Jordan Poole postgame about the Wizards' moving him to the bench: "If there’s any common sense, with the situation, you should know how I feel. But I’m just going to come out, do what I can do to help the team, keep it moving."
— Ava Wallace (@avarwallace) February 23, 2024
Jordan Poole's postgame comments create stir among fans
Coming off the bench Thursday, Jordan Poole logged 30 minutes played, the team's fourth-most by any player. The lack of defensive effort displayed by Poole coupled with shoddy offensive production makes Wizards fans rightfully frustrated.
President of Monumental Basketball Michael Winger and General Manager Will Dawkins reportedly worked in conjunction with coach Brian Keefe in deciding to bench Poole, attempting to present the 24-year-old with an opportunity to find his footing in a role he familiarized himself with during his time with the Golden State Warriors.
"I mean, if this is a way to try to get me on ball, I guess that’s just what we have to do." Poole said he feels he's proved his value in many diff. areas on court... "I can't do anything but control what I can control."
— Ava Wallace (@avarwallace) February 23, 2024
Unfortunately, Poole seems to have taken the move as a lack of trust in his playing ability, refusing to take the role change in stride and make the necessary adjustments to become a more complete player. The lack of accountability from Poole has tried the patience of Wizards fans who are searching for a bright spot in the midst of a 9-46 season.
The Washington Wizards will conclude their road trip on Friday with a stop at the Paycom Center to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.