A few days ago, Poole was caught on camera appearing to be distracted during a pivotal moment of the game, which elicited unfavorable responses from the X users. The video shows a fired-up Poole conversing with a member of his team while the coach is attempting to craft a play. Despite requests from teammates and coaches for his attention, Poole continues to engage in conversation, dismissing it with a simple “It’s my team, I got this.”
Well, it turns out that he did not, in fact, “get that.” At the last few moments of the video, Poole was seen looking back at the play the Coach drew up, which was, alas, too late.
Jordan Poole during this timeout 😭
(via @The_BTC_Classic) pic.twitter.com/XVI4Y9chgx— Overtime (@overtime) November 13, 2023
After the video went viral, Poole faced an onslaught of criticism on social media from fans who accused him of being “unserious” and “arrogant” and said that Washington Wizards supporters deserved better.
Tyus Jones defends Poole
In the midst of the controversy, Wizards Point Guard Tyus Jones offered an honest assessment of Poole’s character, which was in stark contrast to the image portrayed by the public.
In a post-match conference, Jones confidently said that Poole cares a lot about the team.
“He cares a lot, you know, and you can see that. He puts the work in…We know that we all have confidence in him, and he knows that as well. He just gotta stick with it,” Jones said, via Hoop District.
Tyus Jones on Jordan Poole
"He's probably putting a little too much pressure on himself, but it comes from a place of care and wanting to be great and wanting to succeed. Wanting to play well for not only himself but for his teammates, for the city, for the organization." pic.twitter.com/bpr9uI1nEB
— Hoop District (@Hoop_District) November 18, 2023
Jones went on to say that Poole has placed a little too much pressure on himself, but that it’s all motivated by a desire to excel and be the best. He further stated that Poole is not only doing this for himself but for the benefit of his teammates, the city, and the organization.
Poole’s stats this season
This season, Poole has performed relatively poorly compared to when he was part of the Golden State Warriors. Currently, the Wizards shooting guard is averaging 15.5 points, 3.7 assists, 27.8 3P%, and 39.2 FG%.
At the Brooklyn Nets match-up, where the viral video of Poole was captured, he only put up 12 points, 1 block, 2 assists, and 5 rebounds.
The Wizards lost to the Nets, 94-102.
Read More News
Alcaraz follows Nadal’s lead, makes history as youngest ATP semi-finalist