LA Clippers: Examining the DeAndre Jordan trade market

CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 17: DeAndre Jordan #6 of the LA Clippers reacts to a call by officials during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on November 17, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Clippers 118-113 in overtime. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

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LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 28: DeAndre Jordan #6 of the LA Clippers dunks past Jon Leuer #30 of the Detroit Pistons during the first half at Staples Center on October 28, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Jordan’s Value

You want to get into a riveting argument over beers with people who know stuff about the NBA? Bring up DeAndre Jordan’s value.

The general consensus is that he’s one step down from the truly elite Stifle Tower-level of rim protector (what’s the tallest building in LA? I’ve only been there once and can’t seem to remember seeing one over six stories. Maybe I didn’t go to the right part…). Still, he’s someone that can defend in space and diffuse a pick and roll as well as any American-born 7-footer in the league.

That has value, as does the fact that the dude can still jump out of the gym and throw down lobs with authority. It’s just a lot easier when the best pure point guard of his generation is running the show. After leading the NBA in FG% for the entire Paul era, including shooting over 70% in each of the last three years, Jordan is down to 64% – still really good but not the unfair advantage he once was.

DJ has also never been much of a pick and roll guy (1.7 fga as the roll man over the last two seasons, down to 1.4 this year), but even his points per possession on those plays is down to 1.22 (it was 1.5 last season and 1.4 in 2015-16).

All this is to say that while Jordan is still an incredible difference-maker on both ends of the court, there isn’t a single team in the league that could get him and consider themselves a title favorite over Golden State even if they acquired his services for free.