Jordan

Credit Doc Rivers for inspiring him defensively without having to be a focal point of the offense. I always thought he’d at least turn out to be a Tyson Chandler type where he didn’t need plays called for him to score in double digits, rebound at a high rate, and a game changer defensively. Now Deandre isn’t quite there yet but he’s on his way. He still needs to work on his one-on-one post defense, free throw shooting, and touch around the rim, but he’s also only 25 and leading the league in rebounding at this point and second to none athletically.

Credit Doc Rivers for inspiring him defensively without having to be a focal point of the offense. I always thought he’d at least turn out to be a Tyson Chandler type where he didn’t need plays called for him to score in double digits, rebound at a high rate, and a game changer defensively. Now Deandre isn’t quite there yet but he’s on his way. He still needs to work on his one-on-one post defense, free throw shooting, and touch around the rim, but he’s also only 25 and leading the league in rebounding at this point and second to none athletically.

 While he is defense is immeasurable better then last season, he still isnt more then an above average defender despite his block numbers. He goes off his man to go for highlight reel blocks only to miss the block and have his man get the O board and put back all the time, not to mention he just has no concept of when to help and when not to help. He still isnt the smartest defender but credit Doc to for making Dre crash the boards with reckless abandon like he should be.

 While he is defense is immeasurable better then last season, he still isnt more then an above average defender despite his block numbers. He goes off his man to go for highlight reel blocks only to miss the block and have his man get the O board and put back all the time, not to mention he just has no concept of when to help and when not to help. He still isnt the smartest defender but credit Doc to for making Dre crash the boards with reckless abandon like he should be.

He’s simply playing harder.  I remember them showing him when he blocked shots last year versus when he blocks them this year.  Last year, he would block the shot and then turn and point to the crowd and stuff while the rest of the team was continuing to play basketball.  This year, he’ll block a shot and immediately turn and start sprinting down the court to get into position.

I love watching guys grow like this.

He’s simply playing harder.  I remember them showing him when he blocked shots last year versus when he blocks them this year.  Last year, he would block the shot and then turn and point to the crowd and stuff while the rest of the team was continuing to play basketball.  This year, he’ll block a shot and immediately turn and start sprinting down the court to get into position.

I love watching guys grow like this.

 Always one of my favorite players in the league. I’ved loved his maturation as a player over the years. I thought he’d be a career backup after his first few seasons.

 Always one of my favorite players in the league. I’ved loved his maturation as a player over the years. I thought he’d be a career backup after his first few seasons.