Apr 28, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) reacts against the San Antonio Spurs in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. The Spurs defeated the Clippers 111-107 to take a 3-2 lead. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
After breaking the heart of the Dallas Mavericks and their fans, DeAndre Jordan has decided to apologize for his sudden change of heart to re-sign with the Los Angeles Clippers.
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Before reconsidering, his decision to join the Mavericks in the first place was shocking enough to many. After losing their top scorer in Monta Ellis, losing their top defender in Tyson Chandler, having little promise at point guard and Dirk Nowitzki being close to retirement, there hardly seemed to be many reasons for DeAndre Jordan to leave Los Angeles.
His week of wining and dining with Chandler Parsons would have been nice and all, but when he had the choice to rejoin All-NBA talent such as Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, and one of the best coaches in the league in Doc Rivers, it’s hardly surprising that DeAndre Jordan changed his mind.
Now, in order to express his apologies for leaving the Mavericks with no center and no promising options left, Jordan took to Twitter.
I want to publicly apologize to one of the best owners in the world @MCuban, the @DallasMavs and their fans.
— DeAndre Jordan 🐺 (@DeAndre) July 11, 2015
I am humbled by @DallasMavs & @MCuban kindness and understanding. I am sorry to have a change of heart.
— DeAndre Jordan 🐺 (@DeAndre) July 11, 2015
DeAndre Jordan caused an almighty stir throughout the basketball world with his free agency drama. After making a verbal agreement to join the Mavericks, he found himself being almost held prisoner at home until he made a decision by Doc Rivers, Chris Paul and Blake Griffin the very next week. And after many emojis, witty Tweets by Blake about the hostage situation and countless speculation of which franchise he’d choose, DeAndre Jordan returned to the Clippers.
Don't agree with the furniture layout but I'm not an interior designer. pic.twitter.com/23PNgQB88z
— Blake Griffin (@blakegriffin23) July 9, 2015
Alright everybody goodnight! pic.twitter.com/cME0rFR5LC
— Blake Griffin (@blakegriffin23) July 9, 2015
It was a moment of sheer relief and excitement for Clipper Nation, and in all honesty, a brief apology on Twitter probably isn’t enough from Jordan. Mainly because Tim MacMahon of ESPN has reported that he hasn’t had any other contact with Mavericks owner Mark Cuban since his decision either.
DeAndre Jordan has apologized to Mark Cuban on Twitter but still has not talked or texted with the Mavs owner since Tuesday night.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) July 11, 2015
Apologies, Twitter and reality-TV-material aside, though, DeAndre Jordan made an excellent choice to stay put. Not just for the Clippers, but for himself.
In L.A., he can execute his devastating aerial pick-and-rolls with the best point guard in the game, serve as their defensive anchor, play with two other All-NBA talents and enjoy the additional depth that has been added in the form of Lance Stephenson, Paul Pierce, Branden Dawson, Wesley Johnson and Cole Aldrich.
It certainly sounds a lot better than the uncertain future of the Mavericks, especially as their future Hall of Famer and NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki won’t be around for much longer.
Now, it’s time to move on from the DeAndre Jordan drama and look forward to the start of next season. Because with his return and the new talent the Clippers have added, they look stronger than ever.