After just one game into their season, the New Orleans Pelicans' front office has decided to make a change. The team has waived Jaden Springer and signed DeAndre Jordan to a one-year deal. This move addresses a pretty big need at the backup five spot with Kevon Looney, Karlo Matkovic, and Yves Missi all injured.
The former All-NBA center for the LA Clippers days of monstrous alley-oop finishes and dominant double-double nights may be behind him. However, the 37-year-old is still someone this team can use to bridge the gap while they wait to get back to full health. DJ spent the last 3 seasons with the Denver Nuggets, averaging 4.2 points and 4.9 rebounds per game over 131 games.
Jordan still sets excellent screens, and while he may not be the athlete he once was, defensively, his instincts on that side of the ball are still incredible. When this team gets healthy, he likely will be out of the rotation, but he also brings so much as a mentor, particularly to Yves Missi.
Missi has a similar playstyle to DJ's in his prime, someone who oozes athleticism and whose primary role is to catch lobs, screen, and block shots. Having Jordan around Missi will help him and this team in the long run. Outside of Missi, Jordan will just be a great leader for this entire team. He’s won an NBA championship, he's been a part of a Big-Three, and he’s been an All-Star.
The point is, DJ has done a ton in his career and can be an experienced voice for the Pelicans' whole locker room.
Joe Dumars continues to do all the right things
I can’t stop being grateful for Joe Dumars and the way he’s approached building and running this team. Previous front offices may have just forced this group to tough things out, with two rookies over the next couple of games; instead, he made a call and brought in another center.
Being a GM or President of Basketball Operations is a literal chess game. You're constantly being judged by fans and the media based on your counter-moves. When Missi went down, Dumars had some options: call up a player from the G League, sign a free agent, or do nothing and run small ball. He made the right call.
Dumars wants this team to be competitive and, ideally, in the playoffs next season. To do that, the Pelicans have to win every single game they can. These early-season games matter just as much as the ones in April do.
At his core, Dumars is still a player and someone who wants to go out there and compete every single night. That’s why he signed DJ: he believes in this thing and wants to give this group a fighting chance while their bigs try to get healthy.
With a matchup against Victor Wembanyama tonight, adding another big man was crucial and will help the Pelicans' chances against the San Antonio Spurs.