The New Orleans Pelicans made some moves this offseason, but none of them were for a proven center. While they did draft Derik Queen this year, he has no one of worth to mentor him at the position. That is, until now.
Via Shams Charania, the Pels have signed 2023 NBA champion, All-Star, and three-time All-NBA center DeAndre Jordan.
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“Free agent center DeAndre Jordan is signing a one-year, $3.6 million deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports Management tells ESPN. The one-time All-NBA big man and 2023 champion enters his 18th season in the league,” Charania posted.
This past season, Jordan averaged 3.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 0.9 assists in 12.3 minutes per game over 56 games. While he won’t be the Pelicans starting center, he’ll definitely be an asset off the bench.
But, more importantly, he can mentor Derik Queen. Jordan and Queen have similar games, and similar frames. Jordan can teach Queen how to use his body at the NBA level to score inside, grab boards, and block shots.
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Combine that with him backing up Queen and Yves Missi, so he can teach through playing, it seems like the Pelicans made a really smart move.
Hopefully, Jordan gets to contribute to the Pelicans in his 18th season, and they keep him around to make sure Queen takes great strides in becoming better.
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