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Boston Celtics Free Agent Target – DeAndre Jordan

By Timmy Sclafani

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What would the Boston Celtics want with a guy who shoots under 40 percent from the free throw line? Just about everything. DeAndre Jordan would be a quick solution to many of the problems which plagued the Celtics throughout the 2014-15 NBA season. He is a powerful big man who can score, rebound, and defend around the rim.

At this end of this season Jordan will become an unrestricted free agent, and you can bet your bottom that at least about 20 teams will throw max contract offers at him. He will basically have a choice of where he wants to go play, though, the most likely scenario is that he stays with the Los Angeles Clippers.

The only way he leaves Los Angeles is if he or the team feels like they don’t have a championship caliber roster (after a huge victory over the defending-champion Spurs in Round 1, this isn’t very likely), OR, the team doesn’t have the money to pay him the max offer he is owed.

This is also unlikely since, despite having Chris Paul and Blake Griffin on a max contract, their bench is so weak that they have the cap space for one more max guy.

Lets say, for some reason, Jordan does end up on the open market. I can’t imagine Danny Ainge would hesitate for even a fraction of a second before getting on the phone with Jordan’s agent.

DeAndre is now 26 years old, and his numbers have steadily increased each year he has spent in the NBA. He is in his prime right now, and he would have an immeasurably massive impact on this Celtics squad.

Apr 26, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) grabs a rebound against the San Antonio Spurs in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Last year, Jordan averaged new career-high’s in points (11.5 per game), rebounds (15 per game), and field goal percentage (71 percent). He showed that he was capable of being an absolute force even without his superior partner in crime, Blake Griffin. He also hasn’t missed a game over the last three seasons.

Jordan’s dedication to the game seems like a perfect fit for the Celtics style of play. He would also be lethal running the pick-and-roll with Isaiah Thomas. Arguably the best thing about bringing Jordan to Boston is the fact that he is a ticking time bomb.

At any moment in any game, Jordan is capable of throwing down a monster dunk and either waking up the home crowd, or taking the away crowd out of it.

Jordan is also a well-disciplined player. He only averaged 3 fouls a game this year, which is pretty good for a guy who really doesn’t leave the paint. The skill set Jordan brings, as a stay-at-home big man who clogs the lane for opposing point guards, is a unique one that the Celtics desperately need.

Another thing that the Celtics lacked, especially in the playoffs, was someone who they could count on to gobble up rebounds. DeAndre had the second most offensive rebounds in the league this year, finishing only behind Andre Drummond.

Jordan led the league in both defensive rebounds and total rebounds. It’s worth noting that he had 123 more offensive rebounds than Cleveland’s Tristan Thompson, who seemed to absolutely destroy the Celtics in the playoffs. Even per 36 minutes and per 100 possessions, Jordan has a significant upper-hand on Thompson.

For those who are interested in DeMarcus Cousins, Jordan could actually bring almost an identical skill-set without the attitude, and without sacrificing a large chunk of the Celtics many assets. In fact, Jordan has the far superior shooting percentage of 71 percent as opposed to Cousins’ 47 percent.

Nov 2, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) attempts to move the ball defended by Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) during the fourth quarter at Staples Center. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 98-92. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Jordan is also a better rebounder and defender than Cousins. Jordan averages just over 3 rebounds more than Cousins’ per 100 possessions, and gets more blocks. Lastly, Jordans offensive and defensive rating is far more appealing than Cousins per 100 possessions.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for bringing Boogie to Boston. With that said, Jordan’s skill-set is arguably a better fit for this Celtics team, and he would demand max money but no assets. There is no doubt in my mind that if Ainge sees an opportunity to pry DeAndre Jordan from the Los Angeles Clippers, he will do so without a moments hesitation.

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