Stephen A. Smith never bites his tongue.
During his appearance Monday on 95.7 The Game’s “Steiny & Guru,” Smith unloaded on the fourth-year guard after he struggled to make an impact on the seven-game series.
Poole – who signed a four-year, $123 million extension that will begin next season – averaged 12 points per game against the Kings while shooting just 33.8 percent from the floor and 25.7 percent from 3-point land. Those aren’t great numbers when your No. 1 job is to score.
“Jordan Poole is who’s alarming me,” Smith told hosts Matt Steinmetz and Daryle ‘The Guru’ Johnson. “Last time I checked, he got his bag. He’s getting paid. So I’m gonna call the man out: The hell are you doing? What was that performance in Game 6 – which is one of the most pathetic and putrid performances I’ve ever seen him put forward? Turning the ball over and being completely erratic and out of it. He’s more concerned about getting his points and showing what he can do, rather than playing winning basketball. In Game 7, he wasn't much damn better.”
Smith hasn’t given up hope on Poole, who is just 23, but would like to see the youngster play with more control and intention.
“So when I look at it from that perspective – you need this guy,” Smith said. “He’s talented. He’s not a scrub. He needs to be reminded of the days when he was trying to get to the NBA, so he can remember what it takes and make sure he’s doing all of those things – instead of just trying to showcase his ball-handling skills, his ability to hit perimeter shots and get to the hole and stuff like that. When everybody and your mother knowing you’re getting your shot blocked nine times out of 10. They’re waiting for him to come to the hole. They want him to pass up jumpers and come to the hole, just so they can smack it outta here.”
