Throughout the NBA offseason, the New Orleans Pelicans' front office, specifically Joe Dumars, was under intense scrutiny online for the moves they made this summer. It started with the Jordan Poole trade, and the hate only grew when the Pelicans decided to trade up for Derik Queen on draft night. However, after just two preseason games, Dumars looks like a genius, as the Jordan Poole trade may have been the steal of the NBA offseason.
Poole showed out in both of New Orleans' first two preseason games during their trip to Australia. Over the two games in which he logged 38 total minutes, Poole was a combined plus-17, had 26 total points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds. Although his shooting touch was off, as he shot 6 of 16 from the field, he was getting great looks that he typically makes.
Another reason his shooting woes aren’t concerning me is his ability to get to the free-throw line. Poole got to the line 13 times and went 12 of 13 during those trips. His ability to draw contact and get chances at the line is something this team hasn’t had from a guard in years past.
His shot creation and ability to take people off the dribble have completely opened up the Pelicans' offense for guys like Trey Murphy III, and when he returns to the court, Herb Jones.
The forgotten pieces of the Poole deal
The reason I am calling the Jordan Poole trade the steal of the offseason isn’t just 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 during these first two preseason games.
Peavy has come out of the gate with maturity and discipline that have made him look like a 5-year pro. His aggressiveness and intensity on the defensive end have helped him log 3 steals and 2 blocks, and offensively, his jump shot looks legit, and he’s had some fun plays like the lob he caught from Yves Missi.
From what we’ve seen in Summer League and now preseason, it’s going to be hard to keep the 24-year-old off the court when the regular season starts.
Saddiq Bey had a tough start in the first game of the preseason, as this was his first time playing in a real NBA game atmosphere in almost a year and a half. This game was likely just him getting his feet wet and comfortable with playing again.
But in his second game, he got the chance to start and ball out, 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 turn 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 incredible work.