Dallas Mavericks: DeAndre Jordan meditates with Tibetan Buddhist Monks

Dallas Mavericks staff received a visit from a group of Tibetan Buddhist Monks on Oct. 8, and DeAndre Jordan took part in the festivities.

The Dallas Mavericks team was wrapping up their preseason China trip on Monday, but the staffers had a special day themselves.  A group of ten Tibetan Buddhist Monks visited the Mavericks practice facility.  They shot some hoops and had a relaxing meditation session with the staff.  There was a surprise guest on hand for the festivities.

DeAndre Jordan did not make the trip to China due to personal reasons.  That allowed him the opportunity to take part in the meditation time with the Tibetan Buddhist Monks on Monday.  The Mavs missed Jordan’s defensive presence to guard Joel Embiid and his threat as a roll man in China, but it was fantastic to see him at the facility on Monday.

Should return for final preseason game

The Mavericks have one preseason game remaining as they host the Charlotte Hornets on Oct. 12.  DeAndre Jordan should be ready to play in that contest without restriction.  Mavs fans are excited for his return after Embiid dominated the paint in China.  The matchup gets easier on Friday as the Hornets should run out Cody Zeller and Willy Hernangomez at center.

Opening night showdown

The Dallas Mavericks regular season opener in Phoenix will be an exciting night for a plethora of reasons.  The battle inside should be near the top of that list.  Jordan figures to match up against number one draft pick and Rookie of the Year candidate Deandre Ayton.  Ayton is averaging 20.5 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game in 29.8 minutes this preseason.

Jordan is one of the NBA’s best rebounders, so the matchup should be interesting.  Both men want to compete down low and be a force on the offensive glass.  Will Jordan take the rookie to school?  Perhaps, Ayton makes his presence known in game one?  It should be a pleasure to watch either way.

Final thoughts

Dallas Mavericks free agent signing and new starting center DeAndre Jordan took part in the Tibetan Buddhist Monks visit at the team facility on Oct. 8.  That would not have been possible if he made the trip to China.

The positive takeaways are Jordan looks healthy and ready to jump right back in when the Mavs return to Dallas.  He only has one more preseason game to get ready for the regular season, but that should be an issue for a veteran like Jordan.

Monitor his conditioning on Friday evening against Charlotte, though.  The Mavericks need him ready to play 30-plus minutes on opening night.  It should not be a worry.