Mavericks head coach, Rick Carlisle and his new big man, DeAndre Jordan are getting acquainted with one another. Jordan joins up with Dallas after signing a one-year deal worth just under $23 million. Carlisle has been at the helm for the Mavericks since the 2008-09 season.
Today in Los Angeles … Mavs coach Rick Carlisle meets his new big man DeAndre Jordan: pic.twitter.com/sLvenBT1ie
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 25, 2018
Carlisle must be thrilled with his newfound big man after the team narrowly missed out on signing Jordan in 2015. Exactly what happened in 2015 is still somewhat murky, but Carlisle and the Mavs appear to be past it.
Better late than never. Jordan averaged 12.0 points and a whopping 15.2 rebounds last season. The big man can lock down the paint on both ends of the floor.
The former Clipper will undoubtedly be Carlisle's go-to big man. Dirk Nowitzki is still a serviceable player, but he's well past his prime. Dwight Powell and Maxi Kleber are nice players, but not in the same tier as Jordan. In fact, the Mavs are even toying with the idea of using Slovenian rookie, Luka Doncic at the small ball four.
While Carlisle plans to get creative with his big man rotations, Jordan will be the staple.
Dallas is looking to contend for a playoff spot after finishing the 2017-18 season in the basement of the standings. Mavs owner Mark Cuban was fined last season for openly discussing tanking, but his plan was never akin to the Sam Hinkie-era Sixers.
Cuban's plan was to tank during a lost season and then retool for contention. Signing Jordan is the clearest sign that Cuban meant what he said.
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