Some NBA players can’t seem to get the most out of their talent. As good as they might be, there are problems. Perhaps they just don’t play the way that most coaches would want them to play.
They’re talented, but they’re frustrating at the same time. Jordan Poole of the Washington Wizards is a perfect example. He’s never met a shot that he didn’t like. That’s a blessing and a curse.
Poole’s shot-making abilities are incredible, but his shot selection is a different matter. Poole can exhaust coaches with his questionable decision-making.
Perhaps that’s why the Golden State Warriors unceremoniously moved him to the Wizards. Now, it’s been reported that the Wizards may entertain moving him.
Could they send him to the Utah Jazz?
NBA Trade Proposal: Utah Jazz Land Washington Wizards’ Jordan Poole
Washington Wizards Receive: G Collin Sexton, G/F Talen Horton-Tucker
Utah Jazz Receive: G Jordan Poole
Is it time to count Poole out? We think you could make that case. It’s an uncomfortable conversation. Nobody wants to sell a young player’s potential short.
Still, his tenure with the Wizards has been concerning. This was supposed to be a blessing for Poole. The Wizards were “his team”. If that’s true, Washington is not in good hands.
Poole has not performed like a player who’s worthy of carrying a franchise. That doesn’t mean that Poole can’t turn his career around. He could even turn it around in Washington.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jordan Poole, Washington Wizards, Utah Jazz Updates
Still, the Wizards have got to be concerned. Could they really move on from the talented guard already?
Why The Washington Wizards Do The Deal
In some respects, Horton-Tucker is the opposite of Poole. He plays “the right way” – perhaps a little too “right”. Coaches wish that Horton-Tucker would leverage his unique physical profile to be more aggressive on the offensive end.
Still, he’s a solid young player who’s rounding into form. The Wizards would likely be happy to flip Poole for him. Horton-Tucker could be part of this team on a long-term basis.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jordan Poole, Washington Wizards, Utah Jazz Updates
Sexton could too – although, it feels less likely. He’s having a second consecutive rough season in Utah. Still, he’s a player who was once seen as having star potential.
Should the Jazz cut ties with him?
Why The Utah Jazz Do The Deal
For the Jazz, this is about raising their ceiling. It’s fair to say that Horton-Tucker is more likely to play meaningful basketball on a winning team than Poole.
At the same time, Poole has an undeniably higher ceiling. After all, shot creation goes a long way in this league. Poole can hit heavily contested baskets.
As frustrating as he can be, there’s still a chance that Poole will make multiple All-Star teams throughout his league. Horton-Tucker is unlikely to accomplish that goal, and so is Sexton.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jordan Poole, Washington Wizards, Utah Jazz Updates
So, why not take a chance on Poole? If it doesn’t work out, Utah must be considering a rebuild anyway. If it does, they may be able to avoid a rebuild. They’ll need Poole to make the most of his (immense) talent.
