Dallas Mavericks: DeAndre Jordan takes massive tumble in ESPN NBArank

The Dallas Mavericks new starting center DeAndre Jordan was ranked 30th in ESPN’s NBArank in 2017, but he fell 50 spots in the list for this season.

The Dallas Mavericks made a significant splash in free agency this summer by signing DeAndre Jordan.  Jordan turned 30 in July and is a former All-Star and All-NBA player.  Mavs fans likely remember him best for his near signing with the team in 2015.

The Mavericks now have the best center they have employed since Tyson Chandler in 2011.  The question becomes which DeAndre Jordan do Dallas fans get?

Jordan is an efficient offensive player, fantastic screen setter, and one of the top two rebounders in the NBA.  His offensive rating over the last five years averages out 124.6.  Jordan will instantly make the Mavs better.

The issue is what does Dallas receive on the defensive end.  Jordan was one of the best defenders in the NBA for a long stretch including being on the All-Defensive team twice.  He has slipped significantly the last two seasons, though.  At age 30, that has to be a bit concerning.

ESPN drops Jordan significantly

ESPN released their NBAranks this week.  They are designed to find the top players for the coming season.  Jordan checked in at 80.  He was ranked 30th last season.

The defense slipped, but a 50 spot drop!  Ranking him below center Jusuf Nurkic seems odd.  Nurkic checked in at 75.  Jordan ranked better in every offensive advanced metric, though.  Offensive rating, offensive win shares, win shares, win shares per 48 minutes, effective field goal percentage were all in favor of Jordan.  Nurkic rated as a better defensive player by a slim margin, but Jordan dwarfed him in offensive production.

The ranking on Jordan is too low.  There are bench players ahead of him on the list.  The only way this comes true is if Jordan takes another significant step back this season.

Final thoughts

DeAndre Jordan fell 50 spots in the ESPN NBArank this season.  That has to be slightly worrying to the Dallas Mavericks and their fans.  Jordan still improves the team, though.  Things like grabbing rebounds, setting screens, and dunking the ball win basketball games even if the stats do not always quantify them.

The partnership has little to no downside for Dallas, too.  They signed Jordan to a one-year deal.  If his production takes another downward turn, then the Mavs move on at the trade deadline or next offseason.  That would improve their chances of keeping their 2019 draft pick as well.

Expect Jordan to bounce back a little this season.  He is a fantastic fit for Coach Rick Carlisle’s system, and that should improve his numbers.  Stay tuned for what should be an exciting season.

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