There may not be a clear cut best center in the NBA right now. But if team success is taken into account, DeAndre Jordan would lead the conversation.
Jordan is not a go-to player or a dominant weapon. But he impacts the game as much, if not more than, any other big man in the league. His ability as a screener and roller as well as his defense make him an irreplaceable part of the Los Angeles Clippers.
But there was a time when it was not apparent that Jordan would ever be this good. In fact, in an interview with NBA.com’s David Aldridge, Pacers president Larry Bird admitted that he thought the center wouldn’t make it in the NBA:
“When he came in here to work out the first time, I couldn’t believe the kid was even thinking about coming out,” he said. “He was tall, he could run and he could jump. But basketball (skills)? Had none.”
“And I am amazed, I am truly amazed how this young man has developed his game from where he was to the point he’s at today,” he said. “I’ve never seen that before. I’ve seen guys get a lot better, but when he came in there that day, we had Roy Hibbert, we had some other big guys in here. I really felt sorry for the kid. I thought there’s no way in hell this kid will ever make it in this league.”
To be fair to Bird, I don’t think he was the only one thinking that way. DeAndre Jordan’s lack of skill is even still evident. But he has refined his biggest abilities and made them into massive advantages for himself and the Clippers. All credit goes to him as he’s turned into one of the best centers in the league.
