Throughout the NBA offseason, the New Orleans Pelicans’ front office, specifically Joe Dumars, has come under intense scrutiny online for the moves they made this summer. It started with the Jordan Poole trade, and the hatred only grew when the Pelicans decided to trade up for Derik Queen on draft night. After just two preseason games, however, Dumars looks like a stroke of genius as the Jordan Poole trade may have been the steal of the NBA offseason.
Poole appeared in both of New Orleans’ first two preseason games during their trip to Australia. During the two games in which he logged a total of 38 minutes, Poole was a combined plus-17, totaling 26 points, 8 assists and 6 rebounds. Although his shooting was off, while he shot 6 of 16 from the field, he got some great looks that he usually makes.
Another reason why his shooting plays don’t worry me is his ability to get to the free throw line. Poole got to the line 13 times and went 12 of 13 on those trips. His ability to draw contact and get opportunities at the line is something this team hasn’t had from a guard in recent years.
His shot creation and ability to take people off the dribble has completely opened up the Pelicans’ offense to guys like Trey Murphy III, and when he returns to the court, Herb Jones.
The forgotten pieces of the Poole deal
The reason I mention the Jordan Poole steal trade of the offseason is not only because of JP and what he brings to this team, but also because of the other two players this deal brought in. Both Saddiq Bey and Micah Peavy have been incredible through these first two preseason games.
Peavy has come out of the gate with maturity and discipline that made him look like a 5-year pro. His aggressiveness and intensity on the defensive end has helped him log 3 steals and 2 blocks, and offensively, his jump shot looks legit and he has had some nice plays Like the lobe He caught from Yves Missi.
From what we’ve seen in Summer League and now preseason, it’s going to be difficult to keep the 24-year-old off the field when the regular season starts.
Saddiq Bey had a rough start in the first preseason game, as this was his first time playing in a real NBA game atmosphere in almost a year and a half. This game was probably just him getting his feet wet and comfortable with replaying it.
But in his second game, he got a chance to start and work, leading the team in scoring with 21 points, and he also led the team in plus-minus, finishing as a plus-27. He also had 6 rebounds, 3 assists and shot 4 of 6 from deep.
This performance reminded everyone why he was once one of the most valuable young role players in the league.
For Joe Dumars, to take two aging players, CJ McCollum and Kelly Olynyk, into three younger players who will all be part of this team’s rotation this season is an incredible job.
#games #Pelicans #steal #offseason