Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle visits DeAndre Jordan in LA

Dallas Mavericks head coach made a special visit to Los Angeles to talk with DeAndre Jordan who just joined the team via free agency.

Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle is one of the NBA’s most respected coaches.  He is entering his 11th season at the helm of the Mavericks and his 437 regular season wins over that span speak for themselves.  Carlisle also led Dallas to a championship in 2011.

Coach Carlisle hit the road on Monday to welcome the Mavs big free agent signing of the summer in DeAndre Jordan.  Below is a Tweet from Tim MacMahon showing off their initial encounter.

Jordan a key piece

If the Dallas Mavericks are going to contend in the difficult Western Conference this season, a big burden will fall on the shoulders of DeAndre Jordan.  Jordan needs to be the Mavs rim protector and return to his Defensive Player of the Year days.

He also figures to play a crucial offensive role setting screens and catching lobs from Luka Doncic and Dennis Smith Jr.

Coach Carlisle needs to be on the same page with Jordan.  Carlisle traveling to Los Angeles to meet with DJ is not something to undersell.  The two need to be in lockstep this season for Dallas to be in the hunt.

Final thoughts

Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle traveled to LA to meet with DeAndre Jordan on July 25.

Much will be made in the build-up to the season about Jordan turning 30 and if he is declining.  The Mavs have him on a massive one-year contract, so they have flexibility with his future.  Keep an eye on how the big man performs this season, though.

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