With rumors starting to circulate that the LA Clippers are shopping DeAndre Jordan, we explore why it makes sense for the team.
There’s no doubt that DeAndre Jordan is a premiere center in the league. He’s coming off his first All-Star selection and is a year removed from winning gold with Team USA. However, with rumors circulating about the LA Clippers shopping him, we have to stop and think. Does moving DJ make sense?
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Yes, it really does. Jerry West may want to shake things up with the team, but we won’t speculate what he’s thinking. We’ll just look at the facts of the situation.
No Chris Paul?
DJ averaged 12.7 points per game over the past two seasons. However, a good chunk of his scoring comes off of rolls and lobs to the basket, usually courtesy of Chris Paul. If CP3 decides to leave in free agency, do we see a drop off in DeAndre’s game?
Defensively, he may still play well. However, from a quick glance at the tape, there has not been a ton of improvement in his offensive game. Doc said when the team re-signed him that he would get more plays, but how often do you remember DJ getting more than a couple plays specifically for him? If he hasn’t improved now, do we really expect him to do so, especially in any meaningful way? DeAndre will be 29 by the time the season starts, which brings us to the next point.
The Money
DeAndre Jordan will be a free agent after this season. If the team does commit to both Blake Griffin and Chris Paul again this offseason, are they comfortable maxing a center who is going on 30 whose game is heavily based on athleticism? Sure, DJ has been extremely healthy during his career, but what happens when that starts to fail.
Just look at what has happened to players like Tyson Chandler and Dwight Howard. Dwight was once a dominant player, but his body started to break down and now he’s an average player at best. While he’s still serviceable, he’s only worth the likes of Miles Plumlee and Marco Belinelli. If DJ starts to lose his motor, the Clips will be stuck paying a big man with no offensive game a max contract. It just doesn’t help long term. Speaking of long term…
Long Term
Let’s look at the worst case scenario first. CP3 bolts for San Antonio. Blake Griffin goes east to Boston. J.J. Redick gets his $20 million to play in Philadelphia. At this point, the LA Clippers are left with DeAndre, Austin Rivers, Jamal Crawford and Wesley Johnson, along with no picks in this year’s draft, only a first rounder next year and only a second rounder the year after. Doesn’t seem too positive, does it? So, if you can move DJ and recoup either some talent or picks, you have to do it.
Now, let’s look best case. CP3 and Blake both decide to come back. We still let J.J. walk. Now, the team is looking to add one more piece. They won’t have any cap room. If they can move DJ, there might be a little relief and the team could bring let’s say, a LeBron James in 2018. Who wouldn’t take The King over DJ?
Yes, it might be easier to keep the Big 3 together, but I don’t think this team is going to get past the Warriors with out at least one shake up. In the modern NBA, you don’t need an amazing center. The Warriors just put together one of the most dominant playoff performances ever while giving major minutes to Zaza Pachulia and JaVale McGee. The Clips probably would be better served to get a mediocre center and add a much better wing than they have.
It may not be a popular move with fans, but it makes sense to move DeAndre Jordan. (Sorry Jasmine)
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