The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night, improving their record to 20-44, but kept Jordan Poole out of the rotation as a healthy scratch. This marks the third straight game and 12th in the last 17 where Poole did not play, signaling potential changes ahead for the guard's future with the team. With 18 games left in the season, the Pelicans are focusing on internal development and roster evaluation.
The New Orleans Pelicans secured a victory over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday, boosting their season record to 20-44. Despite the win, the team continues to sit out guard Jordan Poole, listing him as a healthy scratch even with starting point guard Dejounte Murray sidelined for precautionary reasons. Murray, who is managing his conditioning by sitting out one leg of back-to-backs, was absent from the game but is expected to return Friday against the Phoenix Suns.
Poole's exclusion extended to the third consecutive game as a DNP-Coach's Decision, and the 12th such instance in the last 17 contests. Head coach James Borrego opted to start without a point guard and relied solely on Jeremiah Fears as the backup backcourt option, preferring this setup over including Poole. This approach underscores the Pelicans' emphasis on building team chemistry and developing players likely to remain with the organization next season.
At 26 years old, Poole faces uncertainty with the Pelicans, who are prioritizing healthier roster decisions ahead of the offseason. His $34 million salary for the upcoming season complicates potential trades, as he holds little value in deals. The team might explore a buyout, allowing Poole to waive some salary for a chance elsewhere. While injuries to Fears or Murray, or front-office directives to showcase Poole for trade purposes, could alter his status, such shifts appear improbable with 18 games remaining.
The Pelicans, though out of Play-In contention, aim to gain momentum from recent improved play.