After a rocky 0-3 start to the 2025-26 NBA season, the New Orleans Pelicans made a bold move on Wednesday night, benching Jordan Poole . The high-scoring guard, who was expected to be a major offensive catalyst this year, came off the bench as rookie Jeremiah Fears took over as the starting point guard in the Pelicans’ 122-88 loss to the Denver Nuggets.

The decision was head coach Willie Green’s first major shake-up of the season, signaling a shift in approach after New Orleans’ dismal start. Expand Tweet

The Pelicans benched Jordan Poole after an 0–3 start, starting rookie Jeremiah Fears and DeAndre Jordan in a bold lineup shake-up against Denver.

Poole, who has struggled with efficiency and turnovers through three games, watched from the bench as the Pelicans inserted Fears in

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