What’s in a Shot Chart: The Clippers Starters

DeAndre Jordan

“If you left DeAndre Jordan in the gym all night and told him he couldn’t dunk he’d have 6 points in the morning.”

Those are the words of Charles Barkley and while they aren’t true (Jordan averaged 10.4 points per game last season), it perfectly describes Jordan’s offensive abilities. As seen above, Jordan’s offense rarely ever comes from outside the paint ( and he’s extremely efficient at it. Last season, Jordan posted a career led the NBA with field-goal percentage for the second season in a row at 67%.

There are many who complain about Jordan’s offensive capabilities, but at this point in his career, there’s little need for Jordan to become a force in the paint, more-so speaking in terms of playing with his back to the basket. This is the criticism that has largely affected the ways of Dwight Howard, a player who heavily relied on pick-and-roll to score points, but has opted to play with his back to the basket in a similar manner as all of the greats who came before him. Like Howard, Jordan’s offensive repertoire isn’t elite. It’s far from elite, marking far under above average, but it’s never hampered his ability to impact the game on the floor.

Unless Jordan performs the fusion dance with Hakeem Olajuwon or David Robinson, it’s difficult seeing much change occur next season for Jordan’s offense. And considering the offensive built of the Clippers, DAJ would be better off finding ways to improve his defense instead of becoming the league’s latest low-post threat.