The Significance of DeAndre Jordan’s Contract

DeAndre Jordan has signed a 40 million dollar deal with the Brooklyn Nets after the organization rejected offers for the free agent from the Houston Rockets.

There has been much criticism regarding this deal and his hefty pay considering the 6’11 center is now 31 years old and undoubtedly has some physical limitations compared to previous years.

By granting Jordan the 4 year, 40 million dollar contract, it means both Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving are making less than the max so Jordan can still be given his approximate 10 million dollars a year. Despite the backlash for this contract, Jordan has proven himself to be a valuable asset to the Nets on and off the court.

Throughout this season, DeAndre Jordan has been averaging 8.1 points per game, 9.9 rebounds and 2 assists. Naturally his stats now are not the same as when he was younger due to decreasing mobility as newly acquired backup role, but he has been adapting his strategy to his age and limitations that follow. His skills, however, are still sharp and beneficial to the team.

Throughout his career he averaged making 67 percent of his attempted field goals, and this season he has also been making 67 percent of shots, showing his accuracy is unwavering with age and his defensive presence remains valuable. In particular, his defensive timing and ability to make important decisions at crunch time is essential. His rebounding has shown to be successful with only Andre Drummond, Enes Kanter, Hassan Whiteside and Rudy Gobert having higher rebounding percentages.

Despite his age, Jordan has been healthy all season unlike other younger players, such as Caris Levert, and has had a robust defensive performance.

An example of a game that highlighted DeAndre Jordan’s value is the Indiana Pacers game on February 10th that the Nets won by one point. Blocking Malcolm Brogdon at the buzzer allowed the game to continue and gave Spencer Dinwiddie the chance to make the game winning shot. Jordan ended the game with 11 points and a strong 19 rebounds.

In just this season, it became his seventh double-double. Similarly, in the February 9th 119-118 loss against the Raptors, Jordan played a key role in making the score so close. He achieved 15 points, 14 rebounds and 3 blocks. Without his defense, the Nets could not have bounced back from an 18 point deficit within the last two quarters. Coach Kenny Atkinson commented on his game performance saying:

"[Jordan] was our defensive anchor. I felt like we weren’t getting that resistance, and he anchored our defense. He did a good job on [Serge] Ibaka, was patrolling the paint. He got us back in the game with his defense."

Aside from his game contributions, DeAndre Jordan is a positive locker room presence and mentor for other team members, which should not be overlooked. In an intense, fast-paced organization like the NBA, his ability to relieve tension and provide comedic relief is indisputably an asset to the team. Whether it is during warmups or post-game interviews, Jordan is constantly helping and motivating his teammates. ESPN staff writer Malike Andrews recalls a moment before the game saying:

"It goes on like this, player after player, each and every starter for the Nets. Jordan performs an individualized handshake that involves very little hand shaking. The entire ritual takes just 20 seconds."

When comparing Jordan’s contract with other centers, he has similar earnings to players such as Deandre Ayton and Dewayne Dedmon. Dedmon in particular is 30, only a year younger than Jordan, and has a 3 year 40 million dollar contract, so the two are very comparable. Since joining the Hawks, Dedmon has been averaging 10 points per game, 8.5 rebounds and shooting 46.2 percent from the field.

This season with the Suns, Ayton has been averaging 18.7 points per game, 12 rebounds, and hitting 53.9 percent of field goal attempts. Looking at the statistics shows the similarity between Jordan and these other centers with related salaries. DeAndre Jordan clearly does deserve the terms of his contract when analyzing his value compared to these similar players.

DeAndre Jordan by no means is consistent at every single game and his physicality is absolutely decaying with age, but he is undoubtedly an effective center and defensive anchor for the Nets, while also providing important guidance and influence off the court.