NBA Rumors: DeAndre Jordan Could Be Missing Links For Misfiring Rockets

The Houston Rockets fell short yet again and the bad news is that they do not have any NBA Draft picks. Hence, they are likely to scour free agency and pitch to potential free agent prospects as they try to rebuild yet again for another run in the 2019-20 NBA season. But the real question right now is who do they go after?

Looking at their previous run in the NBA playoffs, the sudden disappearance of Clint Capella in the Western Conference Semifinals was singled out as one curious development. Holding a contract that is worth more than $15 million for the Rockets, USA Today explores some potential upgrades in the free agent market. One name that has been suggested is that of DeAndre Jordan.

The 30-year-old big man found himself moving from the Dallas Mavericks to the New York Knicks last NBA season. There was a growing belief that Jordan would be eventually waived so that he could join an NBA team planning to make a serious run in the playoffs. Nothing went down and Jordan had to console himself playing out the rest of the 2018-19 NBA regular season with a team that most believed was tanking.

Jordan will be one of the curious free agents this summer and the Rockets could try and pitch. The only problem seen right now is his asking price. He made $22,897,200 last NBA season and most believe he will likely seek something similar to those numbers. In order for Houston to accommodate him, some players may need to go. That may include Capella if the Rockets are willing to take the chance.

Jordan will be turning 31 in July but remains a force to reckon with inside. He is still one of the reliable rebounders in the league, holding a career average of 10.9 caroms. He upped those numbers somewhat last season (13.9 rebounds per game) and is a notable inside and defensive presence.

Another factor that could be in play is that he did play alongside Chris Paul when both were still donning the Los Angeles Clippers uniform. If Houston succeeds, that could account for a familiar pick-and-roll play, something that worked for Doc Rivers with the Clips years back.

There are some who believe that Jordan is beyond his prime. But the NBA All-Star center believes he still has plenty more to give – all 6-foot-11 of him, the NY Post reported.

“People think you’re 30 and think you’re old,’’ Jordan said. “I hate that. When I do something athletic, they’re like, ‘Oh my god, he’s so athletic and especially because he’s so old.’ I’ll take that.”