For having only played 13 games in Dallas, DeAndre Jordan’s history with the Mavericks is about as dramatic as it can get. Many remember the bananas free-agency signing period of three summers ago, in which Jordan verbally committed to signing with the Mavs before ultimately reneging and returning to Los Angeles (setting off one of the great moments in NBA Twitter along the way).
After the Chris Paul-led Clippers core collapsed last year, Jordan did what many thought was inevitable and signed with Dallas in free agency (for real this time). But according to reports, Jordan isn’t exactly fitting in — and has even managed to antagonize his teammates in the short time he has been there.
Tucked away in this week’s ESPN NBA power rankings was a curious note from reporter Tim McMahon. In a column that usually highlights statistics and the team’s recent games, McMahon instead used the space to offer a harsh personal assessment of the prolific dunker.
“Don’t be deceived by DeAndre Jordan’s solid statistics,” McMahon wrote. “He has been a major disappointment for the Mavs. He has rubbed teammates the wrong way with what they perceive as selfish play, the most blatant example being when he stole an uncontested rebound from Luka Doncic by putting his forearm in the prized rookie’s back and tipping the ball away.”
In video from the play in question, Doncic doesn’t look too pleased about his teammate bodying him for no apparent reason.
While Jordan had a conversation with coach Rick Carlisle, he didn’t exactly apologize.
“I guess I’ve been poaching for the past 11 years,” Jordan told the Dallas Morning News. “I feel like every rebound that comes off is mine. So I am guilty of that. But honestly, when I’m going for the ball, I don’t really look for anybody else.”
And the effort he has shown ripping rebounds out of teammates’ hands hasn’t showed up on the defensive end. The Mavericks have been outscored by 8.5 points per 100 possessions with Jordan on the court. He is averaging 1.3 blocks per game, but he has appeared lazy and unenthusiastic when he’s supposed to help or play transition defense.
“Jordan’s disinterest in playing help defense has been a big problem as Mavs opponents light up the scoreboard,” McMahon wrote.
Dennis Smith Jr. downplayed any drama, calling the news “fake” in an Instagram post. But in a loaded Western Conference where the Mavericks stand a slim chance of making the playoffs, this year should be about developing their young talent. The more of a distraction Jordan becomes, the harder that may be.