Pelicans Bench Jordan Poole as Rotation Shifts; Southwest Division Notes on Hawkins, Flagg and Durant
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NEW ORLEANS — Guard Jordan Poole has been held out of the Pelicans’ last four games after head coach James Borrego replaced him with a starting unit of Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, Saddiq Bey, Zion Williamson and rookie center Dereck Queen.
“Obviously, Poole will stay ready,” Borrego said after Sunday’s practice, adding that the 24-year-old veteran “never knows when his number is going to get called.” Poole, acquired from Washington in an offseason deal, is averaging 14.5 points, 3.1 assists and 25.4 minutes — all his lowest figures since 2020/21 — and has started only six contests this season. His diminished role has fueled speculation that New Orleans could move him before the trade deadline.
Hawkins Viewed as Top Trade Chip
Second-year guard Jordan Hawkins, who has not appeared in the last six games, is considered the Pelicans’ most likely trade candidate, according to multiple team sources. The 23-year-old is shooting .320 from the field and .301 from three while averaging 4.3 points in 11.6 minutes after posting 10.8 points per game as a rookie. Front-office executives believe the former UConn sharpshooter could benefit from a fresh start.
Mavericks Question Officiating on Flagg Drives
In Dallas, the Mavericks contend rookie forward Cooper Flagg is not getting a fair whistle on his attacks to the basket. Flagg averages 11.9 drives per game — identical to Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards — yet receives only 1.8 free-throw attempts on those plays compared with Edwards’ 3.3. “You just gotta play through it,” Flagg said. Head coach Jason Kidd and former owner Mark Cuban both criticized officials after Saturday’s loss to Houston, although the NBA’s Last Two Minute Report upheld a crucial no-call involving Rockets guard Amen Thompson.
Durant Sidelined with Ankle Sprain
Rockets forward Kevin Durant will sit out Monday’s road matchup against the Pacers because of a left ankle sprain. The 35-year-old logged 38 minutes in Saturday’s win over Dallas, shooting 6-for-17 for 13 points. It will mark Durant’s first absence due to injury this season.
Source: Hoops Rumors
