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Why the Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan Is The NBA’s Best Center

By Garrett Chorpenning

Feb 11, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; LA Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) stares down an official after getting called for a foul in the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 11, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; LA Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) stares down an official after getting called for a foul in the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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This past summer, he won an Olympic gold medal. Earlier this month, he was named to his first All-Star game. In the midst of a highly successful season, it’s starting to become evident that DeAndre Jordan is the league’s best big man.

For years now, Jordan has been known for his incredible consistency around the rim, setting records that have only been matched by Dwight Howard and the great Wilt Chamberlain. For two consecutive seasons, DeAndre Jordan led the NBA in both field goal percentage and rebounds per game. During the ’14-’15 season, Jordan posted a league-best 71% from the field, the highest since Chamberlain’s 72.7% during the ’72-’73 season. He’s always been a reliable option, proven by his former streak of 360 consecutive games played. His rebounding skills are phenomenal, and he scores more efficiently than any player in the last 40 years.

Da’ Paint

You can laugh all you want at Jordan’s free throw ability. I might even join you.  However, when it comes to DJ’s ability to score in the paint, his play is unmatched. His towering frame and monster leaping ability enable him to throw down lobs better than anyone in the business. That’s also what’s made him solidify himself as the most athletic big in the league today. That’s not all Jordan does, though. He’s a top-three rebounder, a relentless finisher, and a master shot blocker. Needless to say, he’s provided us all with plenty of highlights.

RELATED STORY: DeAndre Jordan on being an All-Star

DJ On D

There’s not much to say about Jordan’s defense besides “league best”. You can’t talk defense without his name coming up. Just looking at him changes your strategy. His name is often found among the top in categories like blocks, rebounds, and defensive rating. Jordan is also a 2x All-Defensive selection, as well as being a member of last year’s All-NBA First Team.

The Best Jordan Since Michael

Over the summer, Jordan (among others) led Team USA to an Olympic gold medal. He proved more effective on the team in almost every way compared to teammate DeMarcus Cousins, and was more efficient on the court. When Team USA had Jordan on the court, they were a +11, and with Cousins on the court, they were a -6. While this is a small sample size, you can’t let it go unnoticed. He simply makes teams better.

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