There was a time when 33-year-old big man DeAndre Jordan was considered one of the best centers in basketball.
Today, the NBA veteran is borderline unplayable. In fact, in an appearance on ‘Inside the Green Room’ Podcast, league analyst Charles Barkley made sure to tell the world the bitter truth about Jordan’s game.
“The thing is, Miami’s not an overly big team,” Barkley said. “They really only have one big guy. So I would turn it into a track meet, a shooting contest, I think that’s the only way the Sixers can win. They’re not going to get killed on the boards, because other than Bam Adebayo, they don’t have a bunch of big guys… I think that’s the only chance the Sixers got until Joel comes back.”
“DeAndre needs to be sitting over there beside Doc Rivers and those guys. It’s over for DeAndre. He’s had a hell of a career, but he can’t play, especially in today’s NBA. In today’s NBA, if you can’t move, it’s very difficult for you. … Big guys who can’t move can’t play in today’s NBA game, and that’s not fair for DeAndre to put himself out there.”
During his run in Los Angeles, DJ was an elite rim protector and high-flying big who helped elevate the Clippers’ interior presence.
But since leaving the Clippers, Jordan has lost his way. In 16 games for Philly during the regular season, he averaged 4.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks per game in 13.4 minutes.
In these playoffs, his limited mobility has been exposed to an ugly degree, and opponents are having their way with the Sixers when he’s on the floor.
Despite Jordan’s subpar play, Doc Rivers seems intent on giving him minutes — so it’s unlikely we’ve seen the last of him in these playoffs. Hopefully, he can find a way to be more productive and efficient with his game.
