Clippers' DeAndre Jordan and Doc Rivers' Relationship

When he arrived to the Clippers, coach Doc Rivers told DeAndre Jordan he believed he could be the best center in the NBA. Now, DeAndre is entering his first All-Star Weekend.

DeAndre Jordan has finally been named an All-Star. After being selected for First Team All-Defense, First Team All-NBA and winning a gold medal in the Rio Olympics, the Clippers’ center can add All-Star to his resume.

RELATED STORY: DeAndre Jordan on being an All-Star

DJ’s Growth

Last season, DeAndre was arguably a snub. Coach Doc Rivers heavily advocated for him during voting, but it was to no avail. In the 2015-16 season, DeAndre posted the 2nd best field goal percentage in NBA history. He earned a spot on the All-NBA First Team, albeit under some scrutiny.

Whether he deserved the spot or not, it’s a far cry from what was expected out of the 35th overall pick who many argued could have used another year in college to mature. DeAndre came into the league and averaged just over 4 points and 4 rebounds for his rookie season, but injuries forced him into the Clippers’ starting lineup in his sophomore season. It didn’t take long for the league to see what type of player DeAndre Jordan had the potential to be. He lead the league in rebounding in 2014 and 2015. He made All-NBA Third Team in 2015.

Now, here we are in 2017. Although some injury trouble has fallen on the Clippers, they still hold onto the 4th seed in the Western Conference heading into All-Star Break. DeAndre Jordan is the lone Clippers’ player to make the trip this year, after both Blake Griffin and Chris Paul missed too much time to be voted in. DeAndre looks poised to make All-Defense First Team for the third consecutive year.

RELATED STORY: Why DeAndre Jordan is the best center in the NBA

Doc and DJ

All this success can be traced back to the strong relationship between coach Doc Rivers and DeAndre Jordan. Back in 2014, when Doc was traded to the Clippers, he met with DeAndre.

"Rivers said he wasn’t involved in the talks between Clippers President Andy Roeser and Boston President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge, but he said he told Ainge there was no way the Clippers would part with Jordan. Rivers spoke with the center after becoming Clippers coach.“The whole thing with DJ, for me it wasn’t about the trade,” Rivers said. “For me, it was just telling him what I thought of him, what I believed he could be and I really laid it out. I was very honest. I told him it’s in him. It’s up to him."

NBA: Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Clippers Deandre Jordan and Doc Rivers /

DeAndre realized what Doc thought of him then and there.

"“Doc brought up the KG trade,” Jordan said. “He was man enough to tell me that he didn’t want to trade me. I felt like ever since then, I know I can trust him because he didn’t have to tell me that.”"

Compared to who!?

Doc did make one comparison though that had fans around the world scratching their heads. Back in 2016, while speaking on DeAndre’s All-Star potential, Doc Rivers compared the big man to all-time great Bill Russell. Media around the country ran with it. Many said Doc had to be joking and that DeAndre lacked the skill set to even be mentioned in Russell’s company. Doc responded:

“I genuinely see traits of Bill Russell. I didn’t say he was Bill Russell. I just think that’s a good thing. What do you see? You see block shots, he’s the (leading) rebounder in the league, he’s blocking everything that comes his way and he changes shots. That’s what Bill Russell does. So that’s been a good thing.”

Now, everyone who pays attention to the league knows that DeAndre Jordan is not Bill Russell, nor anywhere close. But Doc does make an argument worth looking at. There are traits that DJ shows that are comparable to Russell. The controlled blocks, the defensive communication and the sheer defensive presence are all there. DJ just makes an impact.

Moving Forward

It’s hard to look to the future without first looking into the past. DJ signed an offer sheet with the Warriors when he entered restricted free agency after his rookie contract ended. And of course, everyone knows of the Dallas debacle two summers ago. DeAndre Jordan verbally committed to the Dallas Mavericks, then began to have second thoughts. In a last ditch effort, Doc Rivers and the Clippers players went by plane, train, helicopter, jet ski, dog sled and whatever other mode of transportation you can think of to meet with DeAndre before he signed officially with the Mavericks. The team succeeded and DJ inked a 4 year deal which keeps him with the team through 2018 (the 2018-19 season is a player option). Doc had his defensive anchor.

Although he may be here for the next few years, there’s a chance Doc Rivers might not. It’s been widely speculated that the Clippers’ coach could be on the hot seat if the team does under perform in the playoffs. At what point does owner Steve Ballmer cut ties and try something new?

Doc himself also wanted out of Boston because he didn’t want to be part of a rebuilding process. If both Chris Paul and Blake Griffin were to leave in free agency, would Doc want to stick around?

The future is very dependent on the Clippers’ playoff success this season. After making the All-Star team, DJ should only focus now on winning a championship (and maybe those pesky free-throws.)

No one is sure what the future holds for this team, but one thing is apparent: DeAndre Jordan is one of the premiere centers in the league and it’s greatly in part to Doc Rivers’ belief in what type of player he can be.

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Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan and Doc Rivers’ Relationship

By Ryan Snellings | Feb 17, 2017