Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan was one of the standouts for Team USA at the Olympics this summer, and coach Doc Rivers thinks he’s just figuring out how good he is.
Rivers hopes and expects Jordan to bring the swagger and confidence he found in Rio back to the Clippers for the NBA season.
“He sees himself now as a star,” Rivers said, via Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe. “As good as he is, I don’t think he’s ever seen himself as one. He’s always been the third guy so he’s looked at himself as a role player in some ways. Now he knows how good he is and I think any time you’re around winning, it’s important, and I think DJ now knows what winning looks like.
“Of all our guys, I think he’s the most important guy this summer for us.”
Jordan’s drive and confidence has always been questioned. These quotes from the Olympics brought that to light again. Plus, Jordan isn’t an elite offensive presence and likely never will be – his game is more about creating space for other players. That’s perfectly fine, of course, and Ben Wallace was a star without having an elite offensive game as well. If Jordan does have renewed confidence, particularly on the defensive end, he could take the next step and really help the Clippers, who would certainly appreciate the boost.
