NEW ORLEANS – FEBRUARY 18: DeAndre Jordan
DeAndre Jordan: #28
Jordan dropped to number 28 this year. This is somewhat unexpected given his breakout seaon which included All-Star and All-NBA selections. Although his hyper-robotic efficiency was noted, perhaps a factor for an 8-rank drop was outlined:
"“Any hopes that Jordan, 29, might expand his one-on-one arsenal or extend his scoring range outside the immediate basket area have subsided. And, with lob partner Chris Paul gone to Houston, it’s reasonable to expect Jordan’s scoring volume and efficiency to slip somewhat next season. While he led the league with a whopping 253 dunks in 2016-17, he couldn’t step up to provide enough scoring help for Paul when Blake Griffin was lost to injury during the playoffs.”"
Clippers fans hope that Jordan can step out of the shadow of Paul and justify himself in his own right. Jordan really was an All-NBA talent after all, and Chris Paul was not the sole reason for that. (They also seem to forget that Milos will most likely throw some sick lobs)