"Clippers center DeAndre Jordan's growing skills"

[mkwest]

While Chris Kaman continues to nurse a severely sprained ankle, DeAndre Jordan continues to grow as the Clippers' center.

Some of Jordan's growing pains are growing pains to opposing teams. He has 13 blocked shots in the last two games and is averaging 2.2 per game since Kaman was injured Dec. 5.

"I see a guy driving and, as soon as he lets the ball go, I come over late," Jordan said. "All I have to do is take one step and I can be across the paint."

"With the time I'm getting, everything is slowing down and things are getting easier for me," Jordan said. "My defense, rebounding, getting us the extra possession by taking chances and going to the offensive glass" are areas where he has progressed.

Jordan prepared for this role, spending much of the past two seasons banging bodies with former Clipper Marcus Camby in practice. He also spent the summer working with former NBA coach John Lucas.

"No matter how many minutes I was going to get, 15, 25, 40, I knew I had to be ready for whatever happened," Jordan said.

Chris Foster, LA Times

[RiversideClips]

He was always a raw athlete, now he is becoming a basketball player. The fact that he & Griffin have become so close and they have a competitive friendly rivalry is more that likely a key to his commitment.
Good Job DeAndre, keep it up

[thanumba2clippersfan]

He was always a raw athlete, now he is becoming a basketball player. The fact that he & Griffin have become so close and they have a competitive friendly rivalry is more that likely a key to his commitment.
Good Job DeAndre, keep it up

So true, I'm really pleased with how DJ has progressed. The thing that continues to drive me nuts is that he gets those 3 second calls both on offense and defense. I'm sure he'll figure out how long he should be standing in the paint.