Why Didn’t Klay Thompson Like Jordan Poole? Details Behind Viral Rumor

A viral rumor has been circulating on social media that Klay Thompson, one of the stars of the Golden State Warriors, really didn’t like Jordan Poole, his former teammate who was traded to the Washington Wizards. The rumor, which claims that Thompson was frustrated with Poole’s style of play and attitude was revealed during a June 30 episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast.

Why Didn’t Klay Thompson Like Jordan Poole? Logan Murdoch Provides Alleged Answers

The rumor seems to have originated from a segment on The Bill Simmons Podcast, where The Ringer’s Logan Murdoch, who covers the Warriors, joined Simmons to discuss the team’s offseason moves and prospects. During the conversation, Murdoch mentioned that he had heard from some sources that Thompson had some issues with Poole during the season.

During the segment Murdoch says,

“All the established guys had some version of a problem with Jordan Poole, whether it was Klay (Thompson) ironically saying that Jordan doesn’t pass the ball enough and shoots too much”.

The rumor quickly spread on social media, especially among Warriors fans and NBA enthusiasts. Many people were shocked by the revelation, because they had assumed that Thompson was one of the people who was fond of Poole and supported his development.

Based on what was said Klay Thompson believed Jordan Poole was a ball hog who shoots too much, and doesn’t pass enough, which is ironic since he himself is known for being a prolific shooter who sometimes took questionable shots.

Do Stats Show Jordan Poole Was a Ball Hog?

There is some circumstantial statistical evidence that could support Jordan Poole ball hog theory. For instance, Poole did have a high usage rate and a low assist rate compared to other Warriors players last season. According to Basketball-Reference.com, last season Poole had a usage rate of 29%, which ranked second on the team behind Stephen Curry (31%), and ahead of Klay Thompson (26.5%). Poole was statistically more of a focal point on offense than Thompson.

Additionally, in the past there were some instances where Poole seemed to ignore or disregard Thompson’s advice or feedback during games. Thompson appeared visibly annoyed by Poole’s decision making and play style several times over the past few seasons.

All in all the revelation that Klay Thompson didn’t like Jordan Poole might shed more light into why the Warriors felt they needed to trade him. Maybe the locker room environment was becoming so toxic it was beneficial for both parties to go separate ways.

The first time Warriors meet Wizards next season is going to be must see TV. Poole is most likely going to take it personally, word to Michael Jordan.