Pelicans guard Jordan Poole benched by coach's decision, averaging six points
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The gist
Pelicans guard Jordan Poole sat out two straight games by coach's decision, averaging six points on 19 percent shooting.
His $30 million-plus expiring deal and reported openness to a move make a split look nearer.
Background
Jordan Poole is a 27-year-old guard for the New Orleans Pelicans, acquired from the Washington Wizards before last season and in the final year of the $123 million extension Golden State gave him. He scored 17 a night during the Warriors' 2022 championship playoff run, but this season he has played four games at 6.0 points, 2.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 16.0 minutes. The Pelicans have won four straight while averaging over 12 steals per game, the most in the league, and defense has never been Poole's strength — a mismatch that has pushed him to the end of the bench.
How it unfolded
- Jul 6, 2025The Pelicans agreed to send CJ McCollum, Kelly Olynyk and a future second-round pick to the Wizards for Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey and the 40th overall pick; the trade was confirmed.
- Nov 3, 2026Poole was listed probable for Wednesday's game against Utah with left ankle tendinopathy, expected to return from a three-game layoff.
- Nov 4, 2026Poole was cleared and available against Utah after initially being listed probable.
- Nov 5, 2026Poole was off the injury report for Friday's game against Minnesota, but he was a DNP-coach's decision against the Jazz as Dejounte Murray returned to the starting lineup for 44 minutes and 20 points.
- Nov 6, 2026A report said Poole told the Pelicans a week earlier he would be open to opportunities elsewhere; he is on an expiring deal paying over $30 million this season.
- Nov 9, 2026Poole was not on the injury report but sat the entire game in Los Angeles by coach's decision; he has played four games this season, averaging six points on 19 percent shooting.
Key terms
- DNP-coach's decision
- Did not play; a designation for a player who does not participate in a game.
- tendinopathy
- A tendon disorder causing pain, swelling, and impaired function, often near joints such as the knee.
Source: Wikipedia
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- Yahoo Sports wrote that a report surfaced of Poole telling the Pelicans he would be open to opportunities elsewhere, and that a divorce appears more likely for the veteran and the Pelicans.
- Expert
- FantasyPros correspondent Leo Sells said Poole was fully off the injury report and should be available without limitations against the Timberwolves.
- Support
- Warriors coach Steve Kerr told ESPN that Golden State does not win its 2022 championship without Poole.
Still unverified
The claim that Poole told the Pelicans he would be open to opportunities elsewhere comes from a report that surfaced a week earlier and has not been confirmed by the team or player.