Dallas Mavericks: DeAndre Jordan did not make the trip to China

Dallas Mavericks starting center DeAndre Jordan did not travel with the team to China.  Find out why he will miss their two preseason games abroad.

The Dallas Mavericks are loving the early returns of new starting center DeAndre Jordan.  From his personality to his monster rebound numbers, Jordan should be a massive hit with Mavs fans.

DJ saw his first action in Mavericks uniform in their preseason game on Sept. 29.  Jordan played 18 minutes.  He produced nine points, eight rebounds, four assists, two blocks, and three turnovers on three of six shooting from the field.

Below are Jordan’s highlights from the blowout victory over the Beijing Ducks courtesy of the Mavericks official Twitter.

Bad news

Jordan played well in his first action for Dallas, but it will be awhile before Mavs fans see him in uniform again.  The team traveled to China for the next two preseason games on Monday, but DeAndre Jordan did not make the trip.  Read the latest below courtesy of Tim MacMahon.

Let us all wish Jordan the best in a trying time for him.  He will likely miss both games against the Sixers in China, but could return for their final preseason game on Oct. 12 in Dallas against the Charlotte Hornets.  Stay tuned.

Opportunity for young big men

Jordan not making the trip to China opens up plenty of minutes of others to shine.  The Mavericks have plenty of options to play at the five.  Dwight Powell, Salah Mejri, Maxi Kleber, and Ray Spalding all figure to play center with Jordan out.

Fans are hoping Spalding gets a lot of minutes.  He displayed a ton of potential in the Las Vegas Summer League, and there is a lot of excitement about his future.  No words yet on how the Mavericks will run their rotations, but expect to see some additional minutes for Spalding in China.

Final thoughts

Dallas Mavericks starting center DeAndre Jordan did not travel to China with the rest of the team.  Thoughts go out to Jordan, and we wish him well.

The Mavs are in China for an entire week.  The trip will bring plenty of exposure and excitement about Dallas basketball, so stay tuned for plenty more.

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