The New Orleans Pelicans are experiencing a promising shift as they approach full strength for the first time this season. After a lengthy recovery from an Achilles rupture, Dejounte Murray has returned to the court, enhancing the team’s capabilities. Additionally, Trey Murphy made his comeback following the All-Star break in a recent matchup against the LA Clippers. Although Zion Williamson was sidelined due to precautionary measures involving an ankle sprain, he is expected to suit up for the upcoming game against the Lakers.
With the return of these key players, the Pelicans face a complex situation regarding their rotation, particularly on the perimeter. Head coach James Borrego tends to favor a ten-man rotation, which raises the challenge of finding playing time for everyone in the final stretch of the season. Unfortunately for Jordan Poole, he seems to be the player on the outside looking in.
In the recent loss to the Clippers, Poole was labeled a DNP—Coach’s Decision, marking a continuation of his struggles with getting playing time. The starting lineup featured Murray, Herb Jones, Trey Murphy, Saddiq Bey, and DeAndre Jordan, while the bench included Derik Queen, Jeremiah Fears, Bryce McGowens, Yves Missi, and Karlo Matkovic during crucial portions of the game.
Poole had already experienced a nine-game stretch without playing prior to the All-Star break, but his opportunity to rejoin the rotation was fleeting. Once Murphy returned, Poole found himself excluded from the game again, signaling tougher times ahead in terms of his role on the team. With Williamson expected to return to action, the competition for minutes will only intensify.
Pragmatically, the Pelicans may find they have no need for Poole’s specific skill set now that they have both Murphy and Murray available to fill the necessary roles. The team managed to deliver an impressive performance against the Clippers, scoring 70 points in the first half alone and finishing with an offensive rating of 118.0. Their more pressing requirement lies in bolstering their defensive efforts, an area where Poole has often been perceived as a liability.
This situation represents a letdown for both Poole and the Pelicans’ organization, especially considering they traded for him in the offseason with high hopes of enhancing their roster. The anticipation was that the 26-year-old could bolster their lineup after exchanging CJ McCollum, but Poole has not met those expectations and appears to be struggling with efficiency on the court.
Looking ahead, Poole will be earning $34 million next season as he enters the final year of his contract. The Pelicans may be inclined to explore potential trade options during the offseason; however, unloading his contract could require additional maneuvering on their part due to the complexities of the deal. As it stands, Pelicans fans may not see much of Jordan Poole in the upcoming weeks, creating a tense but potentially transformative moment for the team as they look to solidify their playoff positioning.