Jordan Poole has already become a target for criticism in his first season with the Wizards, writes Ava Wallace of The Washington Post. Beyond Poole’s penchant for questionable shots and high-risk plays, controversy erupted this week via a video clip from Sunday’s loss at Brooklyn. The guard appears uninterested in the play that coach Wes Unseld Jr. was designing, Wallace notes, focusing his attention elsewhere until a teammate taps him on the shoulder.
Speaking with reporters Wednesday, Unseld said he hasn’t watched the video and isn’t concerned about Poole’s level of commitment.
“There’s a thousand moments, I think, during the game, and there are times where coaches are talking to players, players are talking to players,” Unseld said. “That happens. I think right now for him, he’s probably under a little bit of a microscope. People are looking for things. So I don’t know the exact sequence of the events, but it’s not a big deal until it becomes a big deal.”
Poole became a leader for a rebuilding Washington franchise when he was acquired in a trade with Golden State this summer. It’s not a role that he’s used to after entering the league with a veteran Warriors team, and Unseld said that has resulted in extra attention from fans who are monitoring his behavior.
Poole also dismissed concerns about the video, saying he understood the play from Unseld and it was “a very normal timeout.”
There’s more from the Southeast Division:
- The Hornets released a statement (via Twitter), indicating that Miles Bridges will return to action Friday after serving a 10-game suspension regarding his domestic violence case. “We are comfortable with Miles returning to play based on our current understanding of the facts of the recent allegations and remain in contact with the NBA as that matter proceeds through the court process,” the statement reads.
- Bridges’ return will be welcome for a Hornets roster that has been depleted by injuries, notes Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer. The team only had 10 available players for Tuesday’s game, as Gordon Hayward, Brandon Miller, Terry Rozier, Cody Martin and Frank Ntilikina were all sidelined. “He’s going to be great,” P.J. Washington said of Bridges. “I just can’t wait for y’all to see him. I know he’s excited to play and we are excited to play with him. So, I’m just happy for him to be back on the floor and I can’t wait for him to come out there and help us, because we need it for sure.”
- Magic power forward Jonathan Isaac was able to play both games of a back-to-back this week for the first time since December of 2019, per Jason Beede of The Orlando Sentinel. Isaac is finally healthy after missing more than two years with leg injuries. “The guys have so much confidence in him,” coach Jamahl Mosley said. “Him being at that rim, whether it’s blocking the shot or just changing and alternating shots — it’s what he’s capable of doing.”
Bridges should not even be in the national basketball association and every nba fan should be uncomfortable with it, not comparing it.
Cry more. Just play basketball.
the longer he’s in the league, the more money the mother and child will receive. wouldn’t want them broke too.
I appreciate Unsled Jrs comments on Poole. Sounds like a good man instead of throwing him under the bus or J Vaughn on the Nets saying I, Me, my team and dude over and over. On the different topic, Bridges should not be playing this year, Hornets new management should be disgusted with themselves along with the fans and Adam Silver. Boo this man. Boo him every time he touches the ball. Washington don’t be so supportive of this crap head, I thought you were better than that. Hashtag (do they still do that?) Fire Adam Silver
I always called Issac Bambi
Isaac*
When did and how did Poole become a leader. I was under the impression you earn that title…… system guy …..
Who told ya
His teammates and Unseld have been saying it in interviews all season. I don’t agree, and I think Unseld is a terrible coach, but they have been saying it.
Ok …. But that’s not something players buy into. You earn that from your teammates. They may want him to lead. But obviously he just can’t .
Wemby is telling everyone what to do just saying
As a hornets fan I can guarantee I am not excited to see him back. Pack up and leave. And don’t come back to the NBA.
Dearly hoping he gets showered with boos as soon as they call his number as being active, and the team realizes tfu.
That would involve someone wanting to pay to watch this awful team and showing up to boo.
Firing Borrego as soon as they started to improve was terrible. Then brining back the previous coach you canned is really innovative. Then While dealing with Bridges they draft Miller…who comes with a squeaky clean resume. But hey… at least you aren’t the panthers.