DeAndre Jordan’s 17th NBA season ended without a playoff appearance, but the veteran center made it clear his motivation remains unchanged. “I’m still competitive,” Jordan said, per Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson. “I love the game, the camaraderie and the fact that I can still contribute on the floor.”
New Orleans finished 26–56 and outside the postseason picture, yet Jordan emphasized purpose beyond wins and losses. “While this time is about developing the young guys for next year, I still feel like I have a little bit more left in the tank,” he added.
Jordan appeared in 12 games and averaged 4.4 points and 6.3 rebounds in limited minutes, but his impact extended into mentorship. His connection with rookie center Derik Queen became a central storyline during the second half of the season.
“He’s grown a ton,” Jordan said of Queen. “He’s done some great things and the sky is really the limit for him. This upcoming offseason is going to be huge for him.”
The veteran detailed Queen’s skill set using basketball logic that reflects the modern center role. “He’s a true playmaker. He can really handle the ball. He has a real relationship with the ball, which is rare for someone his size,” Jordan said.
Jordan also highlighted positional versatility as a key development area. “He can handle it, he has great touch and he can score on all three levels,” he said. “He does things that are usually guard oriented… now, we just have to figure out how to enhance that and help him grow on both ends of the floor.”
The offseason will include joint workouts in Los Angeles, although Jordan kept details limited. “[Smiles] I’d rather keep that a secret. We’re going to work… but he’s definitely going to work,” he said.
Jordan’s decision to join New Orleans raised questions given his championship pedigree, but he pointed to roster fit and internal culture. “Honestly, I wanted the opportunity to play with guys like Herb Jones,” he said. “Between him, Zion, a great rookie like Jeremiah Fears, and Micah Peavy, there is a lot of talent here.”
He also referenced the competitive environment he had previously faced. “Every time I played against New Orleans, it was a tough game and the crowd was super loyal,” Jordan said. “They’ve had some bad luck with injuries, but they wanted me here, so I’m here.”
His championship experience continues to shape his leadership approach. “I talk to those guys damn near every day. That bond will never be broken,” he said about his former title-winning teammates. “We won the first championship in Nuggets history together… those are my guys forever.”
Looking ahead, Jordan acknowledged the possibility of transitioning into coaching, though not without humor. “If I have to deal with Derik Queen every day? No! [Laughs],” he said. “Seriously though, I’ve thought about it. It could be in the cards.”
