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DeAndre Jordan and how we could have handled things better

By Leonard Saldana

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 09: DeAndre Jordan #6 of the Los Angeles Clippers looks on from the bench in the second half of the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Staples Center on April 9, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 09: DeAndre Jordan #6 of the Los Angeles Clippers looks on from the bench in the second half of the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Staples Center on April 9, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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With DeAndre Jordan’s looming free agency, we take a look back at his career and how the franchise might have handled it better.

DeAndre Jordan was a steal found in the second round for the LA Clippers. DJ was pure raw athletic talent coming one year out of Texas A&M. He was drafted 35 overall with the ability to run the floor and finish over just about everyone.

DeAndre Jordan came to a franchise that’d been in the cellar for it seems since they came into the league with an owner who would later be outed from the NBA fraternity. He also came into the league with an unknown upside. He played sparingly in his first season, averaging 4.8 points in 14 minutes of playing time.

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His first years were spent at the end of the bench and not being trusted to play because of his foul shooting and lack of overall shooting. Jordan was seemingly universally liked throughout the league and always seemed to play with an extra weight on him especially in the early years. Vinny Del Negro, despite how fans see him as a coach and his staff, was a hindrance.

Then the team sent a first round pick to Boston and brought in Doc Rivers. Rivers instilled a confidence in Jordan and trusted him to make the right decisions without pulling him quickly if he made a mistake. He gave him a chance to make mistakes and grow as a player.

DeAndre’s Growth

Rivers first season would see an increase in DJ’s productivity and he would have a career year in many categories such as points, assists, rebounds, blocks, and even steals. Yes, he played more minutes but he played a different way in his new role as a part of the Clippers “Big 3.” He became the defensive anchor that seemed to speak louder and showed a leadership about him.

He just needed an opportunity and belief in the player he can be. Jordan continued to increase percentages in shooting. Jordan turns 30 in 31 days and likely will be coming down from his prime. Despite this, the Clippers center is durable as ever and continues to always say the right things.

We have seen him play without his running mates of Blake Griffin and Chris Paul this year and while he had some great dunks and played through injury to continue helping the Clippers playoff push, we would see his defensive rating slip a bit. Playing without Paul and Griffin didn’t see much off a drop off from points or rebounds though.

Where we messed up

We made mistakes by not nurturing a budding star and we as fans, writers, and the organization kept his name in trade rumors pretended that he didn’t have as big of a value like as other stars.  It just seems like we do things to keep him when we feel he is on his way out, we dangle him as trade bait and we do not think how that can play on a person’s mentality.

It seems throughout the years Jordan has been in every trade rumor. And when things came to a head when DeAndre Jordan agreed to sign with the Mavericks, it took an owner, coach, and other core players to go ask him to reconsider.

Chris Paul was traded before free agency last year and then Blake Griffin, who was touted around for his #loyalty, was traded away before the deadline when the headlines were all about Jordan again. Jordan has his limits and while this is a business, we never expect to see this type of mental barrage to a player.

Where do we go from here?

There has been no news after discussion of an extension broke down. He could opt in to assist the Clippers in their rebuild by agreeing to a trade. Jordan reportedly is still unsure of what he wants to do.

If he opts out and tests the market, he might not see a large payday. The last three years after the kidnapping of Jordan at his home has not seen any more success for the team and this front office seems to be in the business of being in the business. They will use everything at their disposal to make the team better.

You want that in a team, but it does come off as a bit cut throat. It’s easy to say its a business but when dealing with people, it just doesn’t seem right. The NBA does have guaranteed contracts, but who do you know that likes to take a pay cut? He might make millions but it doesn’t mean he still doesn’t have feelings. Jordan has previously stated his want to stay here and finish his career, but team might think otherwise.

In the end, I hope he goes to a team where he can be appreciated and a place that can maximize his talents once again because he isn’t over the hill.

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