More then ever before, NBA free agency can truly make or break a team’s season before it even tips-off. The latest example of that is DeAndre Jordan. His decision to back out of a verbal deal with the Dallas Mavericks to re-sign with the Los Angeles Clippers made the Clippers a championship contender and left the Mavericks just hoping to make the playoffs.
Almost leaving for Dallas was just the latest twist in the long winding road that has been Jordan’s career in L.A. Jordan joined the Clippers with the 35th pick in the 2008 NBA draft, making him the longest serving Clipper. Of course for a talent like Jordan to be available at the 35th pick he came in with some concerns following his one year of college ball at Texas A&M. The Clippers decision to give him a chance played off big as he has matured and the team developed him unlike anyone else they had done before.
Once all the free agency dust settled it was Jordan’s legacy with the Clippers and battling through all the highs and lows that eventually kept him in L.A. Last year’s playoff were a perfect example of the highs and lows Jordan has had with the Clippers. First they got a huge game 7 win over the Spurs before falling to the Rockets in 7 in a series where Jordan was sent to the line repeatedly because of his poor free throw shooting.
Lost in the controversy over Jordan’s contract this summer was the extra work he dedicated to his foul shots. So as the season, where Jordan will be the centerpiece for two teams, gets into full gear we have pulled together our best photos of DeAndre Jordan. For more photos of Jordan throughout the season and playoffs be sure to check out Newscom.