Efficiency is an important concept in modern NBA discourse. Some people don’t like it. They’ll argue that there’s too much emphasis on shooting efficiency.
Whether they like it or not, front offices around the league will be looking at efficiency for the remainder of the NBA’s future. With that in mind, inefficient volume scorers don’t have the pull that they used to have.
Take Jordan Poole of the Washington Wizards. Poole is a talented scorer who can hit seemingly impossible shots. Still, his extremely poor efficiency has his trade value at an all-time low.
At least he shoots threes. We can’t say the same for Ben Simmons of the Brooklyn Nets. He’s typically efficient on the interior, but with his poor free-throw shooting and non-existent three-point shooting, he’s still not an efficient scorer.
Could the Nets flip him for Poole?
NBA Trade Proposal: Brooklyn Nets Land Washington Wizards’ Jordan Poole
Washington Wizards Receive: F/C Ben Simmons
Brooklyn Nets Receive: G Jordan Poole, F Danilo Gallinari
Why would anyone be opposed to discussing efficiency? Having more shots go in is good. Is that complicated? What opposition could anybody have to that concept?
Well, it may be fair to say that some players get sold short due to their inefficiency. The ability to hit difficult, contested jumpers is a valuable skill. In the playoffs, the floor shrinks. Defenses tighten up.
A player may shoot below 40% from the field, but if they can hit that impossible shot, they’re worth having in your rotation. Sure.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jordan Poole, Washington Wizards, Brooklyn Nets Updates
At the same time, if a player is shooting under 40% from the field, it’s going to be difficult to put a winning offense around them. There will always be a place for talented scorers, but efficiency will be a factor in team decisions moving forward.
Should the Nets make a move for Poole?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
We’re not sure. We understand that this deal won’t be popular with everyone. Frankly, Poole isn’t popular with everyone. To be sure, he has major issues with his shot selection.
On the other hand, it’s been a difficult season on the struggling Wizards for Poole. Defenses are hyper-focused on him. Outside of Kyle Kuzma, the Wizards don’t have another viable offensive option. If you can stop Poole, chances are, you can stop Washington.
It’s possible that his efficiency would spike on a more competitive team. The Nets can offer him the opportunity to find out.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jordan Poole, Washington Wizards, Brooklyn Nets Updates
Poole would share the floor in Brooklyn with Mikal Bridges, Cam Thomas, and some elite floor spacing. If that helps him score more efficiently, he could make the Nets a better team.
Should the Wizards part with him?
Why The Washington Wizards Do The Deal
Poole may improve his performance on a better team. The Wizards likely won’t be a better team for a few years. Meanwhile, Poole is on a long-term contract. This is a problem.
Here, we’ve got them solving it. More than anything, this is about getting off of Poole’s contract. Simmons’ deal only runs for half as long. The Wizards are managing their books by making this move.
With that said, they could be happy to acquire Simmons as well. When he was healthy this year, he was more productive than Poole.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jordan Poole, Washington Wizards, Brooklyn Nets Updates
Granted, his health is a concern, but taking a flyer on him doesn’t hurt. If Simmons can get healthy, and the Wizards can put some shooters around him, who knows? They could build an efficient offense.
