DeAndre Jordan: The Defensive Anchor?

Post #1 » by **mkwest** » Wed Jan 5, 2011 8:38 am

Clippers assistant coach Dean Demopoulos is considered the defensive specialist on the coaching staff, and he’s been praising Jordan for his recent play. Demopoulos points out that Jordan is growing before our very eyes as he now has begun cherishing the role as a defensive catalyst.

“I think good defenses have an anchor, and DJ has been an anchor defensively for us, “said Demopoulos. “He plays the floor pretty well, he’s got good foot speed for a man of his size, and he’s getting to understand it and take ownership and actually be proud of the fact that he has the opportunity to become such a good defensive player.”

It seems like Jordan has also been taking some of Griffin’s double-double mojo for himself as he has been nearly averaging a double-double in the last 6 games, with 10 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.5 blocks a contest. Remarkably, he has also only missed seven shots during that entire stretch of games.

With the title of “defensive anchor” already given to him by his coaching staff, Jordan is gaining the credentials to be given full authority inside the paint. With each game, DeAndre Jordan is solidifying his role in the bright and gifted future for the men in red, white and blue

Sean Nami, myClipper NATION

madmaxmedia · Post #2 » by **madmaxmedia** » Wed Jan 5, 2011 9:20 pm

I haven't watched many games recently, but this is great to hear.

My impression is that he has most all of the tools required to be a good defender, but hasn't quite reached the level of focus, skills, and effort yet. He's not super strong, but he's tall with long arms, and quick and athletic. That formula worked really well for Darius Miles.

If he truly became a good defensive center, a real defensive anchor by NBA standards, we would be a playoff team. We have enough scoring, we need interior and help defense.

biggd · Post #3 » by **biggd** » Wed Jan 5, 2011 11:24 pm

DeAndre is playing sooooo well as of late, do you guys think he could maybe be a candidate for most improved??

donemilio21 · Post #4 » by **donemilio21** » Thu Jan 6, 2011 2:43 am

he is playing well enough to take starting center job from Kaman, even when he comes back.

Clippersfan86 · Post #5 » by **Clippersfan86** » Thu Jan 6, 2011 4:53 am

I think based on dynamic of team we would be better off starting DJ over Kaman anyways. We don't need another guy who takes 10-15 shots. We need a defensive presence in the paint. DJ impacts games when he patrols the paint. If Kaman would return to 07 Kaman where he put up 12.7 rpg and 2.8 bpg the team would be better off. The 18 ppg Kaman isn't what this team needs anymore.

Leor_77 · Post #6 » by **Leor_77** » Thu Jan 6, 2011 8:51 pm

Not only DJ, but I think that the front line of Deandre Jordan and Blake Griffin has the potential to be absolutely deadly defensively - Like one of the best in the league. You have two tall, strong, quick and extremely athletic guys in the paint. They have already shown at times how dominant they can be defensively. I think at this point that our front line is top 3 in the league just as far as athleticism, strength, etc.

mj_shoefanatic · Post #7 » by **mj_shoefanatic** » Thu Jan 6, 2011 8:56 pm

DJ reminds me of lot of Marcus Camby these past few games. Kaman needs to go already!

playaloc916 · Post #8 » by **playaloc916** » Fri Jan 7, 2011 2:29 am

I'm glad he's accepting his role of being a defensive guy. I think before, he was trying to do too much offensively, and he'd turn the ball over a lot, or commit fouls. I think he realizes now that he can be a force on the court, without needing to score a lot, like a Camby or a Mutombo. I hope he can continue his strong play, because we need to even out the offense with defense. We need him to get us extra possessions so BG and EJ can do their thing.

And I agree that he should start over Kaman. We need DJ's defense more than we need Kaman's scoring in the starting unit. Well, maybe not, if Kaman could play like he was playing in preseason :nonono:

Post #9 » by **mkwest** » Fri Jan 7, 2011 3:12 am

playaloc916 wrote:And I agree that he should start over Kaman. We need DJ's defense more than we need Kaman's scoring in the starting unit. Well, maybe not, if Kaman could play like he was playing in preseason

Earlier this season, Kaman said he didn't want to disrupt what Blake and EJ had going. I hope he feels the same about DJ's improvement. I figure that Vinny will want to bring him along slowly like he did with Baron. In the past, Kaman has said that he feels that he is a starter in the NBA. I would normally agree, but I think that fit and optimization is much more important. Kaman is used to being the number 1 option, but Blake and EJ need to be getting the lion's share of the touches imo.

We need production off of the bench. Things kind of die down when Blake & EJ rest, so it makes sense to have Kaman come in and be the 1st option with the 2nd unit. He can have a field day, get plenty of touches and soften the blow of us having to rest our starters. He can still end up getting his minutes and playing with some of the other starters, but just off the bench.

Marvel · Post #10 » by **Marvel** » Fri Jan 7, 2011 5:41 am

I really wish MJ, his (Please Use More Appropriate Word) GM of his - Higgins and rookie hater Larry Brown had drafted this guy.

DJ compliments Griffin so much better than Kaman, i wouldn't be surprised if he was traded at the deadline. If DJ relishes his role as the defensive anchor, shotblocker, rebounding big, the Clippers could sneak into the playoffs....kidding. No seriously they'll have the potential to be one of the most dominant frontcourts in the entire league. What really intrigues me is if DJ has the desire to be coached, which would go a long way in making him a complete player. I know before he entered the draft that's what a lot of GMs were afraid of, but if he can accept the fact he needs to mature sky's the limit for him. With Griffin and Eric Gordon leading that team, i think DJ will accept the opportunity to grow and mature.