For New York professional athletes, the surest way to lose fans’ adulation (other than whatever the hell the Mets are doing) is if they perceive you are not giving full effort. Whether or not that was actually the case with DeAndre Jordan, rather than simply a natural decline in performance due to age, the Nets center often bore the brunt of the fans’ wrath, particularly after those moments where he deigned not to chase after loose balls or contest opposing shooters.
The #1 issue with Jordan was his defense after his man would set a pick.
Nash went 99% switch defense last season and Jordan simply could not keep up. But what was most confusing to me; he never even tried.
He rarely actually switched. He always just dropped back to the paint. I have to assume this was instructed by the coaching staff; but the way he dropped back left even more to confusion.
If you drop back into the paint its to prevent the drive. If the ball handler does not drive you simply switch back onto your man. But Jordan never did. He would just stand in the paint. He wouldn't even close out. That was where the problem was. It was a guaranteed open shot for the other team if the 5 man could shoot a jumper.
I have to wonder what was going on here. Even if Jordan can't keep up with a switch he can still close out. He can still get back to his 5 man if the play doesn't develop. But he never did.
No way the coaches would simply 'allow this', yet he did it for 2 straight seasons.
When I remember DeAndre Jordan, I'll think about how he refused to be a team player. I hate he got Kenny fired and I hate how he clashed for the starting spot.
What I hate most is our woeful situation at Center. Thanks DeAndre!
The #1 issue with Jordan was his defense after his man would set a pick.
Nash went 99% switch defense last season and Jordan simply could not keep up. But what was most confusing to me; he never even tried.
He rarely actually switched. He always just dropped back to the paint. I have to assume this was instructed by the coaching staff; but the way he dropped back left even more to confusion.
If you drop back into the paint its to prevent the drive. If the ball handler does not drive you simply switch back onto your man. But Jordan never did. He would just stand in the paint. He wouldn't even close out. That was where the problem was. It was a guaranteed open shot for the other team if the 5 man could shoot a jumper.
I have to wonder what was going on here. Even if Jordan can't keep up with a switch he can still close out. He can still get back to his 5 man if the play doesn't develop. But he never did.
No way the coaches would simply 'allow this', yet he did it for 2 straight seasons.
What was going on?
When I remember DeAndre Jordan, I'll think about how he refused to be a team player. I hate he got Kenny fired and I hate how he clashed for the starting spot.
What I hate most is our woeful situation at Center. Thanks DeAndre!