Clippers’ center DeAndre Jordan was a force this season, leading the league in rebounds per game, placing in the top 5 in blocks per game, and recording the second-highest field goal percentage in NBA history. Due to his high level of play this year, DeAndre Jordan will be highly coveted this offseason by many teams, including the Dallas Mavericks.
The Clippers will likely have to sign Jordan to a max contract this offseason for him to stay. There have been rumors flying around that DeAndre will not stay in Los Angeles, and one reason behind that is a supposed rift between him and star point guard Chris Paul.
Clippers guard Dahntay Jones has already come forward and denied these claims. Head coach Doc Rivers is the latest to refute the rumors.
Following from Arash Markazi of ESPN Los Angeles:
“I can put this to rest: They get along great,” Rivers told Fred Roggin of The Beast 980 on Thursday. “Clearly, like everybody, they don’t get along all the time, and they don’t get along with me all the time, either, by the way. I don’t see that as an issue. I think all three, and I’m including Blake in this as well, understand how important the other guy is to them. Meaning, they all three need each other to win, and I think all three get that and all three know that and all three want to do it together. To me, that’s the most important thing.”
This postseason, the Clippers defeated the playoff-juggernaut Spurs behind heroics from Chris Paul. However, they fell short in the next round, giving up a late game comeback and then losing the series.
Some believe that the Clippers should blow up their roster, as the talented core of Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan has yet to take them to the Conference Finals. Many however, including Doc Rivers, believe in the Clips’ nucleus, and think that the team should continue to build around their big 3 and bolster their bench. They can’t continue to build around Jordan if he leaves the team, however. For that reason, Clippers’ fans should be very happy to hear Rivers and Dahntay Jones refuting claims of a rift in team chemistry.
DeAndre is one of the best young centers in the league, and other than his poor free throw shooting, he has been a huge help to this L.A. team. Without him protecting the rim, the Clippers would lose arguably their most important defensive player. If I’m L.A., my first priority this summer will be to keep DeAndre happy.
