Mavericks center DeAndre Jordan has rubbed his teammates the wrong way during his first season in Dallas, writes Tim MacMahon in this week’s edition of ESPN’s NBA Power Rankings:
Don’t be deceived by DeAndre Jordan’s solid statistics. He has been a major disappointment for the Mavs. He has rubbed teammates the wrong way with what they perceive as selfish play, the most blatant example being when he stole an uncontested rebound from Luka Doncic by putting his forearm in the prized rookie’s back and tipping the ball away. Jordan’s disinterest in playing help defense has been a big problem as Mavs opponents light up the scoreboard
Jordan is averaging 11.2 points, 13.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game for the Mavs and is shooting 62.4 percent from the field, as well as a by-far-career-high 81.3 percent from the free-throw line.
Jordan is a valuable player whom Mark Cuban and co. are surely excited about finally acquiring. Nevertheless, should push come to shove, the Mavs will prioritize their young core – particularly Doncic, who is off to a splendid start to his rookie year – over the 30-year-old Jordan.
Doncic has started in all 13 of the Mavs’ games this season, averaging 19.6 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game while shooting 47.4 percent from the field and 38.6 percent from 3-point range.
This is Jordan’s first season away from the Los Angeles Clippers, the team that drafted him 35th overall in 2008. In LA, Jordan made one All-Star Team (2017), three All-NBA Teams (2015-2017) and two All-Defensive Teams (2015-16). He led the NBA in rebounding in 2014 and 2015.
The Mavericks are are 5-8 on the season, putting them at 13th in the Western Conference.
