Dallas Mavericks: DeAndre Jordan needs to be back next year

Seven games into the season, the Dallas Mavericks are not looking as good as they hoped. With a 2-5 record, the Mavs are short on wins, but the talent on the team is there. One big upside to this season has been DeAndre Jordan.

The Dallas Mavericks are a better team with an elite center. This has been true throughout the history of the franchise with the 2010-11 season being the obvious example. Tyson Chandler quickly became a vital piece for the team with his above the rim action on both ends of the court.

That same action can easily be seen in DeAndre Jordan, who has been excellent for the Dallas Mavericks through the first 7 games of this season. DJ is currently averaging 15.1 rebounds per game. That is only 0.1 rebounds per game difference than the best numbers of his career.

I know it is still very early in the season, but DJ is having his best statistical season in the following stats: points, assists, defensive rebounds, field goal attempts and, most notably, free throw percentage (which is improved by more than 23% from his previous best). This is a great DeAndre Jordan and this is a happy DeAndre Jordan.

It’s time everyone realizes that this one-year deal the Mavs signed him to is for the exact reason we are seeing. DJ still has it. There is no doubt that he is still one of the elite centers in this game and his rebounding alone is enough for any team to be interested in him.

Dallas should be financially ready to give DeAndre a max deal. A three-year contract would definitely be preferred, but Dallas shouldn’t slow down if he asks for four years. He will earn his keep out there and the Mavs will be better for it. Plus, his ability to learn and grow with the youngsters Dennis Smith Jr. and Luka Doncic will be important for continuity.

The Mavs that will be under contract after this season are: Harrison Barnes ($25 mil), Dwight Powell ($10 mil), Luka Doncic ($7.5 mil), Dennis Smith ($4.4 mil), Jalen Brunson, Ray Spalding and Ryan Broekhoff ($1.4 mil each). That is a combined $51.7 million out of likely close to $100 million.

If Dallas decided to re-sign DJ, they would still have room for another max contract likely. Especially if either Powell or Barnes decide to opt out of their player options in their contracts. Either way, if the Mavs managed to get Dennis Smith, Luka Doncic, DeAndre Jordan, Harrison Barnes and someone like Jimmy Butler together. Well, that would be great.

DJ is doing great things in the first month of his contract. I have given up any hatred I ever had for him in order to truly enjoy what he is capable of. And the truth is, he is capable of even more than we have seen.