Dallas Mavericks: DeAndre Jordan continued to work while Mavs in China

Dallas Mavericks center DeAndre Jordan did not make the trip to China, but that did not stop him from practicing while away from the team.

The Dallas Mavericks made the trip to China as part of NBA Global Games this preseason.  They played two games against the Philadelphia 76ers and spent just over a week overseas.

The Mavs split the two games against the Eastern Conference power.  A positive result when considering Dallas was without two starters and Dirk Nowitzki.

Harrison Barnes and Dirk were both sidelined with injuries, and continue to miss time as they recover.  The other missing starter was DeAndre Jordan who was out for personal reasons.  Dirk went to China.  Barnes and Jordan stayed back in Dallas.

Jordan still practiced

The team returned to Dallas and was back at practice on Oct. 10.  The media caught up with Jordan, and he discussed what he did while his teammates were in China.  Fans can listen to his response below courtesy of the Mavs official Twitter.

Eliminating worries

Questions about Jordan’s fitness or availability crossed fans minds, but the starting center put those to rest quickly.  He looks ready to command his usual minutes both in the final preseason game and in the regular season opener on Oct. 17.  That is a relief for fans because Jordan adds new dimensions to the Mavericks offense and defense this season.  The team needs him for his screening, lob threat, and rebounding ability among many other things.

Final thoughts

Dallas Mavericks summer acquisition DeAndre Jordan did not make the trip to China, but he is back with the team and ready to compete moving forward.

Having Jordan ready at the beginning of the season is crucial.  It is made more important by the fact that the Mavs begin the season facing the Suns and Timberwolves.  That matches Jordan up on two former number one overall selections in Deandre Ayton (2018) and Karl-Anthony Towns (2015).  The Mavericks would have a difficult time guarding either man without Jordan.

The start of the regular season is just around the corner, and Dallas Mavericks fans are ecstatic about the year.  They could be a special team that takes a massive leap in the standing, and The Smoking Cuban looks forward to enhancing your viewing pleasure on the team.