Convincing words from two of Denver Nuggets’ vocal leaders have pushed DeAndre Jordan to head into the Mile High City.
Jeff Green, his former teammate from the Los Angeles Clippers and the Brooklyn Nets, and head coach Michael Malone have made a wonderful recruiting pitch on the big man.
And with his 15th season in the league underway, Jordan fully understands what he will bring to the table on the hungry Nuggets squad.
“Obviously everybody knows that Nikola (Jokic) is the head of the snake,” Jordan said in an interview with Denver Post’s Mike Singer. “So with that, my role being obviously coming off the bench, helping our second unit with pace, screens and getting guys open, getting guys better shots and also finishing everything that I can in transition, offensive rebounds, controlling the glass for our unit, also being a defensive presence for however long I’m out there.”
Following two split stints with the Los Angeles Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers last season, Jordan will arrive in Colorado and is expected to contribute accordingly as a backup big man off the bench
Already wearing an Olympic gold medal with some league accolades under his belt, Jordan remains searching for the ultimate prize – a championship ring.
With how Denver remains constructed, he has a shot with them to win that elusive title. Reigning back-to-back MVP Nikola Jokic is now set to be supported by both Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. following their respective injury recovery layoffs.
The veteran center admitted that the golden ball is the only one that keeps pushing him to grind and continue his NBA career.
“I’m going into my 15th year, man, I was a second-round pick, I’ve done a lot of great things in this league, individually and also with the teams that I’ve been on,” Jordan said. “I know the respect that I have from myself, and also that my peers have for me … (Winning a title) is the only thing that still drives me at this point in my career.”
As being a role player now, Jordan didn’t hide the locker room presence he brings on whatever teams he’s being part of.
His veteran leadership remains vital, and that’s something he’ll be proud of as he claimed.
“Ever since I was with the Clippers, in my younger days, I learned from some great veterans about being a great locker room presence even if things weren’t going my way,” Jordan said. “I’ve done that throughout my career, and I think that that’s something I’ve prided myself on.”
As Denver looks poised for a season of vengeance, Jordan’s motivating and vocal aura will be valued for this ball club. Indeed, he can be a tremendous piece to help them reach the top of the NBA world.
