Denver Nuggets Season in Review: DeAndre Jordan
Two years ago, DeAndre Jordan’s signing with the Denver Nuggets puzzled many fans. Known as a top center in the early 2010s, Jordan’s prime had passed, and he had been moving frequently between teams, often not staying beyond a year. It seemed unlikely that he would significantly impact the Nuggets on the court, which might have been the plan. However, due to injuries, lack of depth, and size issues, Jordan occasionally found himself in the rotation, proving he still had something to offer. His veteran presence and leadership in the locker room enhanced Denver’s culture, leading to his re-signing for another season. Despite his contributions, it remains uncertain if Jordan, now 36, will achieve something he hasn’t done since leaving the Clippers in 2018: play three consecutive years with the same team.
2023/2024 Season Stats
– MPG: 11
– PPG: 3.9
– RPG: 4.4
– APG: 0.7
– BPG: 0.4
– FG%: 62.40%
– 3PT%: N/A
– VORP: 0
– BPM: -1.7
Season Story
Jordan’s re-signing last summer was well-received, given his value during the Nuggets’ championship season. With the departure of Bruce Brown, Jeff Green, and Ish Smith, and the addition of three rookies, Jordan’s experience was even more crucial. He continued to be a vocal leader, often seen encouraging teammates and calmly interacting with referees.
A highlight was his and Reggie Jackson’s performance against the Clippers, where they revived “Lob City” for a night. Jordan’s size helped the Nuggets, especially when their bench struggled with defensive rebounding. By late November, he was getting regular minutes but saw reduced playtime as the season progressed and the team prepared for the playoffs, playing in only seven games post-All-Star break.
’24/’25 Outlook with the Nuggets
Jordan has not indicated plans to retire, but at 36, it’s an annual consideration. If he does retire, he leaves behind a notable career, including a championship ring and a strong Hall of Fame case. As an unrestricted free agent, Jordan is likely to explore any offers before making a decision, possibly including a return to the Nuggets.
From Denver’s perspective, Jordan’s return would bring valuable veteran leadership, essential for a team balancing players in their prime and rookies. However, relying on Jordan and Zeke Nnaji as backups for Nikola Jokic was not ideal last season. With Nnaji under contract for four more years, Jordan is more expendable from a contractual standpoint.
Jordan is unlikely to receive more than the veteran’s minimum salary, which aligns with the Nuggets’ potential interest in retaining him. While not the most strategic move for improving center depth, Denver might still consider him if other options don’t materialize. Ultimately, if Jordan returns, it won’t be a bad decision, but the Nuggets might prioritize enhancing their roster with a rotation big and a young player through the draft.
In conclusion, while Jordan’s future with the Nuggets is uncertain, his contributions have undeniably improved the franchise.
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