The DeAndre Way

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On the day Doc Rivers was named head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers he made a bold proclamation stating that DeAndre Jordan was talented enough to win the NBA defensive player of the year award. It was a challenge to the man-child from Texas A&M to elevate his game on that end of the floor because the Clippers were going to need his best contributions as a defender. Jordan was guaranteed to play a career high in minutes because unlike the previous season the Clippers wouldn’t carry 2 extra big men opposite of Jordan. Last year the Clippers had Ryan Hollins and Ronny Turiaf to back up Jordan and each of them got 10 minutes a piece which allowed Jordan to play only 24.5 minutes a game last season. Either way Doc had big expectations and it was up to DeAndre to anchor the Clipper defense.

DeAndre Jordan’s offensive skillset has always been very simple, set good screens, finish at the rim and when need be catch a lob while proceeding to throw the basketball down with authority. On offense his game is very limited but exciting all at the same time, just ask Brandon Knight. “He said he wanted me to be the anchor of our defense and he really meant that” said Jordan when speaking about his coach. It’s been a career year for Jordan and although the Clippers as a whole have went down 9 spots as a team in total defense from last year to this year, that’s probably more a result of having no rim protectors or big man depth outside of Jordan.

Jordan’s year by the numbers tell the complete story of the impact he has made for the Clippers this season. He averaged more than 30 minutes per game for the first time in his career this year playing 35 minutes per game. If you’re not a mathematician that’s 10.5 minutes more per game than last year, Doc really believed in him and gave him a chance to flourish. As a result of Doc’s believe Jordan led the NBA in defensive rebounds (783), total rebounds (1114), rebounds per game (13.6) and field goal percentage (67.6%). He also managed to finish 2nd in blocks with 203 which puts him behind only Serge Ibaka. If you’re Doc Rivers you got to like what you have seen from Jordan this year, those are the categories he should be leading in.

The ultimate individual goal of winning the defensive player of the year award did not happen this year for DeAndre Jordan as Joakim Noah took home those honors but its a great stride in the career of the Texas native. He finished in 3rd place behind Noah and Roy Hibbert as DeAndre took home 8 first place votes. “I think its a great step for him and that’s the way he should look at it” said coach Rivers after the announcement of the award. He may not have won the award this year but he has planted the seed in the minds of people in the league that he is defensive player of the year material.

It’s no secret to the world now but Donald Sterlings racist remarks had a huge ripple effect on the entire NBA and Clipper organization as a whole. Players were allegedly contemplating boycotting playoff games and it’s obviously been a huge deal in the media. The Clippers decided to go ahead and play their games in the midst of adversity and layed a huge egg in game 4 of their first round series versus the Golden State Warriors as they lost 97-118. Jordan was held scoreless and ony had 6 rebounds, he lacked energy which is rare for him but it was clear that the external factors had affected not only him but the rest of the team.

Game 5 was the first game the Clippers would play in the Staples Center since Donlad Sterlings comments. It was an emotional night and fans had signs all over the arena debunking Sterling’s racist remarks. Energy pulsated throughout the Staples Center as fans and players alike where eager to get the game started. Jordan was the quintessential energy guy for the Clippers as he did what he normally does which is block shots, run the floor and of course throw down alley-oops to the delight of the crowd. The result of game 5 was the biggest performance of his career as he collected 25 points, 18 rebounds, 4 blocks, 1 steal and 1 assist. It was a virtuoso performance for the big man from Houston.

The Clippers have yet to make a deep run in the playoffs during the Chris Paul era but if a guy like Jordan can continue to have monster performances and stay on the Spalding diet of rebounds, then the Clippers are as dangerous as anybody. It’s been a huge year for Jordan but legacies are forged in the playoffs and he can positively help his by being that defensive stalwart coach Rivers wants him to be. It may not be Lob-City for the Clippers anymore but its winning time and things must be done “The DeAndre Way” on the defensive end of the floor.