'Trade him': Ex-NBA star offers strong criticism of Warriors player

Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole, a disappointment during the regular season, is playing even worse in the playoffs. 

His poor play is a significant reason why Golden State -- which trails the Lakers 2-1 in the Western Conference semifinals -- has struggled to maintain momentum in the postseason. 

"Watching Poole right now, I might trade him," former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas said while watching the Warriors get steamrolled Saturday by the Los Angeles Lakers, 127-97. "He's the highest-paid player on the court [during garbage time], and he looks like the worst player." 

After signing Poole to a four-year contract extension worth up to $140 million before the season, Golden State expected a star-in-the making. He was supposed to be the Warriors' third scoring option behind Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, but the team can't count on him.

Poole averaged 20.4 points and 4.5 assists during the regular season, shooting 43 percent from the field and 33.6 percent from three. But his lack of defensive effort and his careless offensive play (3.1 turnovers per game) is a better measure of what kind of player he is. 

In the playoffs, Poole is averaging 11.6 points and 3.6 assists on shooting splits of 35.5/28.8/75.8. Nearly all his numbers are way down from Golden State's run to a title last season.