DeAndre Jordan’s confidence, play and brand will improve thanks to playing on Team USA in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
DeAndre Jordan and Team USA are expected to win a gold medal in Rio de Janeiro today. They play Serbia, a team they’ve already beat this summer, on the final day of the 2016 Olympics.
After Friday’s win over Spain, the narrative says that Team USA needed Jordan.
For example, Kevin Durant called him the MVP of the elimination game versus Spain on Friday. Carmelo Anthony applauded his defense in Friday’s win. Head coach Mike Kryzewski even said the team would not be playing for Gold if it was not for Jordan.
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“He’s such a good teammate,” Krzyzewski said about Jordan after the Spain win. “He’s so easy to play with. Not that he doesn’t feel that with the Clippers, of course he does, but here, with his peers, to be in this atmosphere, is great.”
Jordan’s Team USA teammates and coaches are not the only ones realizing Jordan’s potential in the Olympics.
Los Angeles Times Columnist Bill Plaschke wrote about Jordan in the Olympics:
"It came from their D.J., who doesn’t have Paul tightly controlling the tempo, or Griffin crowding through the middle. He is surrounded by relaxed all-stars who sort of step back and let him do his thing. Since becoming a starter in the last game, the last member of the Clippers’ Big Three is treated in Krzyzewski’s system as The Biggest One, and he is loving it."
No surprise here. For most of the Olympics, Jordan has been one of the team’s most consistent player. He does not demand the ball, so his presence is felt on the boards, protecting the paint, and on pick and rolls.
“Every time I’m looking over at coach, he’s smiling at me, so that’s a positive.” Jordan said about his noticeable fun during the Spain win. “I have one job on this team and that’s to come out and play with as much energy as I can on both ends of the floor.”
The latest Spain victory proves this, as Jordan set the U.S. Olympic record with 16 rebounds. His signature fun personality, explosive dunks and good pick and roll defense were also on display.
However, Jordan needed this Rio trip as much as Team USA needed him.
“It’s great. Starting for your country’s team, being a player on your country’s team, it’s amazing and a huge honor.” Jordan said about becoming the starting center in Rio.
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Upon first hearing about Jordan’s selection, I knew it would be great for his confidence and basketball evolution.
Many players have breakout seasons after playing with USA Basketball. Not only is international play super competitive, but the Olympics feature two months of practice against the players in the NBA.
For Jordan, this meant he would work a lot with DeMarcus Cousins.
In the Olympics, the only true big men could teach each other a lot. Cousins could help Jordan with his spacing, shooting and passing. Meanwhile, Jordan would help Cousins feel and see the floor defensively.
Added, Jordan’s brand off the court also improved. The Clippers star finally got to emerge from the shadow of his L.A. co-stars Blake Griffin and Chris Paul.
“It’s fun to be finally be able to have something to call your own a little bit.” Jordan said.
Throughout the Olympics, Jordan has been seen smiling on and off the court. He has been bonding with teammates at events and on the town. All of this has increase Jordan’s visibility which is usually behind Griffin and Paul in Los Angeles.
“It’s cool, man,” Jordan told USA TODAY Sports. “It’s fun to be finally be able to have something to call your own a little bit.”
Finally, the world is appreciating Jordan as a great basketball player and personal brand. Clearly, Jordan is not taking that for granted.
But what’s next for Jordan?
Hopefully, it is a gold medal today. After that, it should be a great 2016 season and maybe his first All-Star performance.
“This could definitely be a good kick-start to next season, you know?” Jordan said via Plaschke.
In the end, this definitely was the trip needed to help Jordan kick-start a great 2016 campaign.
Hence, Jordan should play even better next season. No reason, why Jordan shouldn’t also get a ton of All-Star votes after playing on the national stage.
Further, the Clippers center addressed concerns about the Olympics impact on his upcoming season.
"“I think this just propels your readiness for the season, being able to play like we have and learning different things from these guys on the team and the great coaches that we have. It just helps you out as a basketball player and as a man. I don’t think it’s going to have a negative effect on me. I think it will be positive.” Jordan said."
Ultimately, the Olympics should improve Jordan’s mental game by learning from some of the best players in the country.
Moreover, Jordan should be more conditioned thanks to lots of competitive practices over two months. He also gains from increased brand visibility in the Olympics.
Next: Jordan sets record as Team USA advances
Thus, Jordan’s confidence should be at an all-time high after winning a Gold Medal in Rio.