Pelicans' Poole Faces Uncertain Future

0:00For the NBA, it's March 2nd. Here's what's happening. The New Orleans Pelicans are finally near full strength for the first time this season. Dejante Murray returned after missing the last 13 months with an Achilles injury. Trey Murphy also played his first game since the All-Star break on Sunday against the LA Clippers. Zion Williamson sat out as a precaution for an ankle sprain, but should be ready Tuesday against the Lakers. This creates a crowded rotation, especially on the perimeter. Even with coach James Barrego's preference for a 10-man group, not everyone will give minutes in the final 20 games. Jordan Poole looks like the odd man out after being a healthy scratch in the Clippers' loss. Poole have been sideline for nine games before the All-Star break. He briefly returned when Murphy missed five games after it, but now, with Murphy back, Poole is out of the picture again. Fans and the team hoped for more from the 26-year-old guard they traded for last summer in place of CJ McCollum. Depele can score plenty against the Clippers, putting up 70 points in the first half

1:03and a 180-point offensive rating. But they struggle on defense, and Poole's presence only makes that worse when he's on the floor. Looking ahead, Poole has $34 million on the book's next season as an expiring deal. The front office wants to move him this off-season, but it won't be easy without adding other assets. For now, expect little playing time from him over the next month and a half. The Daily News Now is presented by our sponsor.