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Jordan Poole is taking some heat Tuesday morning after what was his worst playoff performance of the year. The Golden State guard was held scoreless in just 10 minutes of action.
It continued a subpar string of games in the Warriors‘ second round matchup against the Lakers as they fell behind 3-1 in the seven-game set. Golden State is now just one game from elimination.
Poole signed a massive contract extension in San Francisco over the offseason to the tune of four years and $128 million. That included a guaranteed $123 million.
Not many believed he was worth the money, though he was an integral part of the team’s championship run in 2022. Poole averaged 17 points a night in that playoff run while playing around 27 minutes per game.
It appeared that he’d be a key contributor in this year’s postseason, too, after averaging a career-high 20.4 points a contest during the regular season. Unfortunately, he’s disappeared in a number of matchups.
Jordan Poole’s scoring is down to 10.5 points a game in the playoffs while his playing time is down to just under 22 minutes of action. He’s been held to single digit points in five of the last six outings, posting a goose egg on Monday.
Many around the NBA have been quick to bash the guard for his lack of production.
Jordan Poole, where the hell you been??? pic.twitter.com/ONY5E8r5Yz
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) May 9, 2023
Of course, Stephen A. Smith gave his thoughts, saying, “Last I checked, he wears a Golden State uniform… he has a $140M contract… Where’s he been?”
Smith wasn’t the only one.
Ashley Nicole Moss said, “Jordan Poole not pulling his weight is a problem,” on her I Am Athlete podcast.
Patrick Beverley asked, “Where is the REAL Jordan Poole??”
Not even having Kay Adams in attendance could get the Poole party going, though he’s been notorious for having big nights when “baddies” are sitting courtside.
let’s see if Kay Adams gets Jordan Poole going pic.twitter.com/0RmRmxvSiq
— Ted Buddwell 🏀🏈 (@TedBuddy8) May 9, 2023
Jordan Poole saw Kay Adams and folded
— Nesto ☔️ (@nd49x) May 9, 2023
He may be too far gone for saving at this point.
If Kay Adams can’t get Jordan Poole going then I don’t know what can save him.
— Anson Casanares (@AnsonCasanares) May 9, 2023
We’ll see if he can get back on track following his scoreless Game 4 performance. The Warriors will likely need him in order to dig out of the 3-1 hole.