DeAndre Jordan is the proud owner of a massive contract this season and the Dallas Mavericks were hoping that the All-Star center would bring his intensity with him from the Los Angeles Clippers. Unfortunately, Jordan failed to show up ready to play against the Utah Jazz Wednesday and the big man's off night was a major factor in the team's 15-point loss.
The Mavs moved to 3-8 on the season and Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune broke down several plays where Jordan came up short in terms of effort on both ends of the floor.
First Jazz basket: Ricky Rubio Nashes under the basket, and shoots wide-open. No hand up from DAJ. I guess you can support this one by saying that Rubio midrangers are fine, but… at least get a hand up! pic.twitter.com/vHpHKyYIPE
— Andy Larsen (@andyblarsen) November 8, 2018
After that basket, Carlisle called timeout. Given how much DAJ isn't trying to help, he decides to help him by having Doncic help off Joe f-ing Ingles, one of the best shooters in the game, stop the roll man, leaving DAJ to care(?) about the driver. The results are predictable. pic.twitter.com/yAru48xxp8
— Andy Larsen (@andyblarsen) November 8, 2018
Exciting news for Jordan: he got the ball! Bad news: it was immediately stripped, then Gobert just outhustles Jordan down the floor as he mopes. Gobert gets the ball, and DAJ arrives just in time to foul Gobert for the and-one: pic.twitter.com/57TPjuYDnN
— Andy Larsen (@andyblarsen) November 8, 2018
A minute later, DAJ just completely doesn't box out Gobert on a Jingles three attempt, even as Gobert stands on the far side of the rim (where rebounds are most likely to go). Gobert, with no resistance at all, gets the rebound and dunks it home. pic.twitter.com/Y3U8k9wOYE
— Andy Larsen (@andyblarsen) November 8, 2018
DeAndre Jordan finished the game with 11 points and 12 rebounds, but it's clear that he was not himself. He only attempted five shots the whole night and he wasn't a defensive presence hellbent on protecting the rim like he usually is.
The Mavs invested a hefty amount of money into Jordan in the hopes that they could achieve a hyperspeed rebuild after one year of outright tanking. They look like they got the next piece of the puzzle in rookie Luka Doncic, but at 3-8, they don't appear to be out of the woods yet.
Despite the high investment in terms of salary, owner Mark Cuban and the Mavs did not invest in Jordan long-term. They only gave the big man a one-year deal. DeAndre Jordan is likely looking to cash in on another big payday next summer, but teams watching this game will think twice about awarding a massive contract to a guy that gives a complete lack of effort on occasion.
Follow Us
Subscribe