It was earlier revealed that DeAndre Jordan has decided not to join the Brooklyn Nets for the season restart in Orlando after testing positive for the coronavirus. According to reports, the Nets are currently in search of a potential replacement for the 6-foot-11 big man.
Nets team insider Alex Schiffer of The Athletic reports that Nets interim head coach Jacque Vaughn himself has indicated Brooklyn's intention to fill the roster spot recently vacated by Jordan:
Jacque Vaughn expects the Nets to sign a replacement player for DeAndre Jordan at some point. Said the Nets will need all the bodies they can get. Vaughn talked to Sean Marks this morning about addressing the Nets lack of size.
— Alex Schiffer (@Alex__Schiffer) July 4, 2020
Jordan is just one of a number of NBA players that will not be able to take part in the Florida bubble. Aside from him, Nets teammate Wilson Chandler has dropped out and the status of Spencer Dinwiddie is still up in the air after he contracted the virus as well.
The Nets entered the hiatus with a 30-34 record and currently sit in the seventh spot in the East. They will be battling it out with the Orlando Magic and Washington Wizards for the final two playoffs spots in the Eastern Conference once the seeding games begin on July 30.
As for Jordan, who averaged 8.3 points, 10.0 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game in 2019-20, the Nets will be hard-pressed to find a similar player who will be able to soak up his 22 minutes off the bench. It will be interesting to see where the team goes from here, though they could just ask youngster Jarrett Allen to play extended minutes.
For what it's worth, both Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving won't be partaking in the bubble games either. Both superstars are recovering from injuries.
Follow Us
Subscribe