How the Wizards must use $128M guard Jordan Poole

Washington Wizards guard Jordan Poole has disappointed this season, averaging 17 points (lowest since his second season) and shooting 41.4 percent from the field and 32.5 percent from deep. 

Most of the onus for his subpar play is on Poole, but how the Wizards have used him also merits scrutiny.

Washington has often played the fifth-year veteran with point guard Tyus Jones, limiting Poole's playmaking opportunities and making him more of a catch-and-shoot player, which is one of his biggest holes as a player. 

In 52 games starting next to Jones, Poole averaged 15.6 points and shot an atrocious 40 percent from the field and 30.3 percent from distance, per StatMuse.

These numbers are unacceptable for any starter, let alone a player such as Poole, who's in the first year of a four-year, $128 million contract. Poole's poor play led to interim head coach Brian Keefe using the guard off the bench.

"This gives him an opportunity now, being in that unit, to be the lead handler, lead decision-maker and kind of be our offensive engine," Keefe said after the move. 

The numbers support the interim head coach's decision. In the 12 games Poole came off the bench as a point guard, he averaged 20.5 points and increased his assist and rebound numbers. Additionally, he became a more efficient three-point shooter during this stretch (36.7 percent). 

So, that begs the question: Why not start Poole over Jones at point guard? The former Warriors player's effectiveness as the "engine" has only become clearer in the past seven games. 

With Jones out with a back injury, Keefe put Poole back in the starting lineup at point guard. In those seven games, Poole averaged 21.4 points and 5.9 assists and shot respectable shooting splits (46.6 percent from the field, 37 percent from three). 

Evidence of Poole's productivity as lead guard is not just limited to this season. In his past two seasons with the Warriors, he put up 25.9 points and 5.3 assists per game in 43 games playing point guard without Stephen Curry. 

The 24-year-old's performance in the recent seven-game stretch is reminiscent of why many became enamored with Poole during his tenure in Golden State.

Using Poole as a starting point guard not only elevated his game, but also benefited the Wizards overall. Washington (14-59), which plays host to Detroit on Friday, went on its first three-game winning streak this season and 3-4 during the stretch.

To get maximum return on their $128M investment, the Wizards should showcase Poole at point guard for the rest of the season. Washington will win more with point guard Poole, who the Wizards could use as a trade chip in the offseason if they decide to deal him.