Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan is currently leading the NBA in rebounds per game, yet is behind the likes of DeMarcus Cousins, Dwight Howard and nine other players in the front court section of the NBA All-Star ballot. It's almost a guarantee that he will be left without that elusive All-Star recognition because scoring outputs are sensationalized in the NBA and Jordan is one of the few remaining prototypical centers.
Jordan rebounds, defends and dunks. Watching him play in today's NBA is like watching an old instructional video with Patches O'Houlihan saying "dodge, duck, dip, dive and dodge".
D.B.R.D.D. - dunk, block, rebound, defend, and … dunk.
The Clippers have spent much of the season in the bottom of the pack in team rebounding yet somehow always seem to be a major force in the paint. Why? Because of Jordan averaging a double-double per game, with Blake Griffin occasionally dropping in double-digit rebounds every now and then when he's not too busy leading the team in scoring and being the type of big man that fans all love and opposing coaches all fear.
"Those two bigs are a joke how athletic they are," Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens said.
Jordan said that the lack of All-Star consideration was once a prevailing thought in his mind, but with the help of FaceTime, Griffin showed him what it was like to be a part of the festivities.
"It's kind of like I'm there," Jordan said.
He may not get recognition from the national media as a star player similar to Howard and Cousins, but according to his teammate, J.J. Redick, who played with Howard before in Orlando, Jordan is known well enough by people inside the league to warrant a max contract.
"Without question," Reddick said, "he is the anchor of our defense. He does it all for us on that end. He guards his man, cleans up the mistakes or other guys and rebounds everything. He is a huge piece for us. Often, great defensive players do not get thought of as stars, but for sure, DeAndre is a star."
Chris Paul went as far as to make the preemptive declaration of Jordan being named NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Immediately after, he reiterated that he doesn't have a vote -- and unfortunately, neither do I -- but he did point out that one time a player was given that award without even being named first team all-defense. So hopefully this column gets me a vote.
Maybe it's best to not see Jordan's style of play in the NBA All-Star Game. Watching that game is like watching a cross between an NBA D-League game and the Harlem Globetrotters. People wouldn't want to see Jordan play defense or rebound. They would want to see him and Griffin dunk and dunk and dunk some more.
Maybe Jordan can finally make an All-Star appearance by entering the dunk contest. Somebody's got to make that event entertaining again.
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The father-son story about Clippers guard Austin Rivers and head coach Doc Rivers has been overplayed to the point that it is still a topic of discussion more than a week since the trade. Nevertheless, here is my addition to the story.
Rivers was born in Santa Monica on Aug. 1, 1992 while his father, Doc Rivers, was a point guard for the Clippers during the 1991-92 season. Twenty-two years later, River returns to Los Angeles to play for his father who now coaches he Clippers.
It just goes to show that a Clipper always find his way home.
Austin's upbringing followed the career of his father. He grew up in central Florida while Doc was coaching the Orlando Magic. After dominating high school and in Duke for a season, Rivers realized his dream of playing in the NBA after being drafted with the 10th pick of the first round by the New Orleans Hornets.
Growing up with a professional athlete and coach leads to a unique upbringing. Kind of like being the son of King Leonidas being raised to join him and his 300 men on their march to fight the Persians.
"My dad is the type of guy that when I was 5 years old, we played checkers, and he would not let me win," Austin said. "That's how he is. He's not doing any favors for me. I've got to earn everything."
That includes earning the worthiness of being acquired by his father in a trade that has been constantly criticized by the initially confused members of the national media. Chris Douglas-Roberts and Jordan Farmar were inconsequential pieces of the championship puzzle the Clippers are trying to put together. A second round draft pick rarely brings in the type of talent vital to a team's success either.
Nepotism may the real reason why the trade was made but if that's the case, then who cares? It's not like bringing the two together is going to affect their relationship and the team's chemistry.
"I think the biggest difference is now that I'm his coach, he has to actually listen to me," Doc said. "On his part, he's probably thinking any kid will listen to their parents if they pay them."
J.J. Redick explained after a team practice that having the son be treated differently can be a danger to the team makeup. So far, there is no indication that it's going to be the case. Austin was brought in for the purpose of providing depth at the point guard and shooting guard position.
Conceptually speaking, being a Clipper is something he isn't used to as an NBA player. He surrounded by more players like him in Los Angeles than in big-heavy New Orleans. Doc's coaching style will easily benefit him more than his previous spot, where he was considered to be a draft bust.
"They play so free," Austin said. "They're so fun to watch. You can see how much fun they have on the basketball court."
"You would love to play for me," Doc said. "Shoot the ball when you're open. That's my shot selection."
What may eventually happen is that the younger Rivers will provide value to the team that doesn't stand out on a box score. It may be better served to look at his assists rather than solely his point total or shooting percentage.
Personally, I hope he turns out to be very successful as a Clipper. I was actually the one who suggested trading for him to Doc in the first place during the postgame press conference after they beat the Pelicans in December.
