The Los Angeles Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan had a career night in route to the team’s win over Boston. Was this a tryout for the big man?
With DeAndre Jordan’s career night last night during the Los Angeles Clippers win against the Boston Celtics, we may have gotten a glimpse of the future: DJ tearing it up in Boston.
In an outstanding performance, DeAndre scored a career-high 30 points, including an incredible performance at the free-throw line. He knocked down 8 of his 9 attempts at the stripe. He also pulled down 13 rebounds, dished out 3 assists and had 4 steals. It was an awesome night for DJ and begs the question:
Was this essentially a tryout for him in Boston?
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Despite his play last night, there have been times Jordan seems disinterested. He also seems to be at odds with the Clippers management after his name has popped up in trade rumors all season. There’s a shared feelings among media and fans that this season very well may be the last one we see DJ in a Clippers’ uniform.
The Celtics have been looking for a true big man to play next to Al Horford. Horford is not a true center and prefers to play away from the basket. This season, they have managed to get enough out of Aaron Baynes to allow Horford to play the 4 spot.
However, if they plan to overtake Cleveland in the future (provided LeBron stays), adding DeAndre might be something the team looks at. His ability to protect the rim, run the court and play in the pick-and-roll alongside Kyrie Irving in a Brad Steven’s offense could be deadly. He would also take a lot off of Horford defensively.
Yes, it would be a tough move to pull off. DeAndre is reportedly looking for big money next summer and the Celtics don’t look to have any cap room. It would require the Celtics moving a lot of pieces, DJ agreeing to take less or they could have DeAndre opt in as part of a sign-and-trade a la the Chris Paul deal this past summer. However, unless the Clippers are getting young pieces or money they can move, there’s no guarantee that would work either.
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At this point, DeAndre really could go anywhere this summer, including staying in LA. Only time will tell where he ends up, but Boston could be looking at him in a new light after his game last night.