DeAndre Jordan

DeAndre Jordan-New Orleans Pelicans Agree On 1-Year Deal

Justin Rimpi

The basketball world loves a good comeback story, and DeAndre Jordan just gave us another chapter in his remarkable 18-year NBA journey. The New Orleans Pelicans announced Friday they’ve signed the veteran center to a one-year, $3.6 million deal, proving that sometimes the best solutions come with gray beards and championship rings.

Why Jordan Makes Perfect Sense For New Orleans

Let’s be honest here – the Pelicans needed help, and they needed it fast. After watching their season opener against Memphis turn into a frustrating 128-122 loss, New Orleans found itself staring down a brutal early schedule. With Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs coming to town Friday night, the timing couldn’t be more perfect.

The injury bug has already bitten hard in the Big Easy. Kevon Looney, their big offseason signing, is nursing a knee injury and won’t be ready for weeks. Young Center Yves Missi is questionable with an ankle sprain. Suddenly, those rookie big men Derik Queen and Hunter Dickinson were looking mighty lonely in the frontcourt. Enter Jordan, stage left, with his championship pedigree and that infectious veteran presence that can’t be taught in any playbook.

The Numbers Don’t Lie About Jordan’s Value

Sure, Jordan isn’t the rim-running monster who averaged 12 points and 15 rebounds during his Clippers heyday. But here’s what the doubters are missing – the man still produces when given the chance. Last season in Denver, he shot an efficient 65% from the field while averaging 3.7 points and 5.1 rebounds in just 12.3 minutes per game.

Those aren’t flashy numbers, but they tell the story of a player who maximizes every opportunity. When the Nuggets needed him most during their championship run in 2023, Jordan answered the call. That championship experience alone makes him worth every penny of his modest contract.

What This Move Really Means For the Pelicans

This signing isn’t just about plugging a hole in the rotation – it’s about bringing championship DNA to a team desperate to take the next step. Zion Williamson is entering a crucial season, and having a veteran like Jordan around could provide the steady influence he needs.

Jordan’s Instagram farewell to Denver was telling: “Grateful for 3 unforgettable seasons with the Nuggets… from day one to bringing home a championship together.” That’s the kind of winning mentality the Pelicans are banking on rubbing off on their young core.

The timing also suggests New Orleans isn’t messing around this season. They could have waited, shopped around, or tried to develop their rookies through trial by fire. Instead, they acted decisively to address an immediate need. That’s the kind of urgency that separates contenders from pretenders.

Jordan’s Perfect Fit In the Modern NBA

At 37, Jordan understands his role better than ever. He’s not trying to be the focal point of an offense or demanding 30 minutes a night. He’s a chess piece – ready to be deployed when the matchup calls for it, when foul trouble strikes, or when you need someone who won’t get rattled in the playoffs.

His recent Instagram post, where he corrected a narrator calling him “retired,” was classic Jordan – still hungry, still confident, still ready to contribute. “No, I’m not – I’m still playing,” he interrupted. That’s the attitude championship teams need from their role players.

The beauty of this signing is its low-risk, high-reward nature. If Jordan provides steady minutes and veteran leadership, it is a steal. If injuries limit his impact, the Pelicans haven’t mortgaged their future for a flyer on nostalgia.

The Bottom Line On Jordan’s Latest Chapter

Jordan’s career has been anything but ordinary. From second-round pick to All-NBA selection, from Clippers cornerstone to championship contributor in Denver, he’s consistently defied expectations. Now he’s betting on himself one more time in New Orleans.

For a Pelicans team with legitimate playoff aspirations, adding a proven veteran who knows how to win when it matters most isn’t just smart – it’s essential. Jordan may be 37, but his basketball IQ and championship experience are ageless commodities in a league where mental toughness often trumps athleticism.

Will he start? Probably not. Will he play 30 minutes? Unlikely. But when the Pelicans need a steady hand, a veteran voice, or someone who won’t fold under pressure, they’ll have exactly what they’re looking for in Jordan.

Justin has been a sportswriter for nearly a decade. He has previously written for 247 Sports an Sports Illustrated.

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