Washington Wizards: DeAndre Jordan Isn’t the Answer

Recent trade rumors have linked the Washington Wizards to All-Star center Deandre Jordan, whom the Los Angeles Clippers are reportedly shopping. While the acquisition of Jordan would be a big splash, it wouldn’t move the needle for Washington. 

The Washington Wizards have gotten off to an uneasy start this season. Despite a record of 17-14, they’ve lost several winnable games and played down to their competition. Their struggles have not gone unnoticed. 

Fans have begun speculating potential big names the Wizards could acquire via trade to provide a boost. DeMarcus Cousins remains a lofty idea, however it still appears unlikely to come to fruition. The Pelicans currently sit 8th in the Western Conference standings. Barring any potential fallout, they’re unlikely to shop Cousins at the trade deadline. 

What other players could the Wizards go after? 

DeAndre Jordan, who’s been linked to the Wizards in trade rumors, seems like a realistic target. The Wizards would surely have to give up less to acquire Jordan than a player of Cousins’ caliber. 

Jordan would undoubtedly improve the Wizards roster. 

An All-NBA talent, Jordan has consistently been one of the best big men in the league in recent years. He’s arguably the best rebounder, having averaged at least 13.6 rebounds per game in every season since 2013-14.

He also shines on the defensive end. In that same time span, Jordan is averaging a stellar 2.1 blocks per game. Jordan’s a terrific rim protector who utilizes his athleticism to bother shots. 

These skills would significantly bolster the Wizards frontcourt, which has been lackluster this season. Jordan would be a significant upgrade over the current centers on the Wizards roster; Marcin Gortat, Ian Mahinmi, and Jason Smith. At least one of these players, or multiple, would almost surely be dealt in any deal for Jordan. 

Jordan would likely mask a lot of the Wizards defensive deficiencies as a team, and his rebounding would create fast breaks and second chance points. 

With that being said, the Wizards should be hesitant to give up valuable assets to acquire him. Jordan is a great player. However, there are deficiencies in his game that hinder his ability to contribute. Specifically, on the offensive side of the ball. 

Jordan’s game consists largely of alley-oop dunks, put-backs, and layups. He hasn’t proven capable of hitting shots outside of five to six feet, an important skill for big men to have in today’s NBA. His shooting is an even larger problem at the free throw line, where Jordan is one of the worst shooters in NBA history. 

For his career, Jordan shoots 43.3 percent from the charity stripe. Many teams attempt the “hack-a-Jordan” strategy in the 4th quarter of games, purposefully fouling Jordan to force him to shoot free throws. It often works, and Coach Doc Rivers is forced to take him out of the game.

It’s troublesome if Jordan can’t contribute in the 4th quarters of games, when his team needs his production the most. 

Jordan is a liability from the free throw line, an incapable jump shooter, and doesn’t possess a polished post-up game. He’s only a 9.2 points per game for his career. 

Something the Wizards should also take into account is Jordan’s contract situation. Jordan has a player option for the 2018-17 season, meaning he can opt out of his contract this offseason and become a free agent. Unless he’d verbally commit to re-signing, there’s a good chance he tests the free agent waters. 

And we’ve seen what happened last time Jordan verbally committed to a contract (sorry Mavericks fans). 

This isn’t to say the Wizards shouldn’t go after Jordan. If he can be had for the right price, Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld would be wise to pull the trigger. He’d provide an immediate boost and bolster the Wizards playoff chances. 

But the biggest, underlying question still remains; does Jordan put the Wizards over the jump? The answer is no. 

Based on what we’ve seen so far this season, the Wizards don’t appear anymore likely to reach the Eastern Conference Finals. While things can inevitably change, they don’t look capable of beating the Cavaliers or Celtics in a seven-game series. Even the Raptors and Bucks would be tough outings.

It’s unlikely that Jordan would change that. Jordan is a great player and would probably fit seamlessly into the Wizards lineup. But from what we’ve seen from in his career thus far, he doesn’t appear to be a game-changer capable of shaking up the Eastern Conference.

Thus, the Wizards need to think twice when considering any trade. If the Clippers want Kelly Oubre Jr. and/or multiple draft picks, Jordan isn’t worth it. The Wizards would be better served keeping a potential star in Oubre, drafting solid prospects, and re-tooling for next year. 

If DeAndre Jordan wouldn’t put the Wizards over the hump, he’s not worth selling out for. Especially, if he’ll bolt after the season is over.