DeAndre Jordan's Impact as a Celtic

[tarheelsxxiii]

Most of us have probably had more time to watch DeAndre than usual this month, so I'm interested to know how much better you think he'd make the Celtics. He's obviously not available. But pretend we didn't have to give up more than 1 impactful player (not named IT/Horford/Crowder/Bradley) and BKN pick(s) to get him.

I ask because I consider him quite possibly the best fit for our team outside of a superstar / superior 2 way player + closer. He'd provide two areas of considerable need, importantly, if we were to succeed based on elite defense (rebounding, rim protection). If no offensive stud is available, I imagine DJ to possibly be the possible the best addition to get us to the ECF.

I'll use playoff success as a benchmark, but feel free to add your own.

[moiso]

You can't talk about Jordan... Only Cousins, Okafor, and Noel.

I think we can get to the ECF with or without Jordan but he would make it a lot easier.  I think Jordan is a perfect fit.  He seems pretty underrated around here because of the free throw shooting.  I love the dominant rebounding and I think his defense would actually improve quite a bit with some better coaching.

[Who]

I don't much like D.Jordan and A.Horford as a big man combination. I think DeAndre would hurt Horford's effectiveness. I think the C's can get to the ECFs as they are. I don't think DeAndre would get them any further given the diminished returns I'd expect from DeAndre and Horford together.

I'd be happy to trade Horford for someone else if Ainge got DeAndre.

[Eddie20]

I don't much like D.Jordan and A.Horford as a big man combination. I think DeAndre would hurt Horford's effectiveness. I think the C's can get to the ECFs as they are. I don't think DeAndre would get them any further given the diminished returns I'd expect from DeAndre and Horford together.

I'd be happy to trade Horford for someone else if Ainge got DeAndre.

Why do you think it won't work? Horford has had success playing PF dating back to college and can both shoot and pass. In fact, I think a high/low combination of the two would be devastating with Horford's skill set in the high post. As for defense, that would be the real nugget. Both are excellent in defending high PNR and extremely mobile. It's actually hard to think of a better fit between two players that compliment each others weaknesses. Jordan isn't a good shooter or passer, while Horford is strong in both areas. Horford is an average rebounder and above average shot blocker, while Jordan is phenomenal in both.

[Who]

I don't much like D.Jordan and A.Horford as a big man combination. I think DeAndre would hurt Horford's effectiveness. I think the C's can get to the ECFs as they are. I don't think DeAndre would get them any further given the diminished returns I'd expect from DeAndre and Horford together.

I'd be happy to trade Horford for someone else if Ainge got DeAndre.

Why do you think it won't work? Horford has had success playing PF dating back to college and can both shoot and pass. In fact, I think a high/low combination of the two would be devastating with Horford's skill set in the high post. As for defense, that would be the real nugget. Both are excellent in defending high PNR and extremely mobile. It's actually hard to think of a better fit between two players that compliment each others weaknesses. Jordan isn't a good shooter or passer, while Horford is strong in both areas. Horford is an average rebounder and above average shot blocker, while Jordan is phenomenal in both.

It will work. It just won't maximize each other's skill-sets.

The same way B.Griffin and D.Jordan do not maximize each other's skill-sets.

I'd much rather see (1) a skillful mobile PF with Horford at C or (2) a high post center (like M.Gasol or N.Jokic) next to Horford at PF than (3) a defense-only C (like DeAndre or Noel) next to Horford at PF with Horford standing stagnant out on the perimeter spacing the floor in order to make the offense work. If we just want a PF to stand at the 3 point line, we can find someone cheaper than Horford to do that and use that cap space to upgrade the perimeter talent instead.

Horford's shooting ability, passing ability and quickness is much more valuable at the center position than at the PF position. If sliding Horford back to PF, I want to be able to take advantage of his post game and interior scoring against smaller PFs vs Cs. To do that well, Horford needs a C who is more than a garbage man. Someone who can play effectively in the high post.

[PhoSita]

Deandre Jordan is among the best players in the league at a handful of things the Celts are bad at.  The only area of weakness he wouldn't address is shooting.

I think he'd be a major addition for the Celts.  Not sure that gets them to the Finals, however.

[CoachBo]

Deandre Jordan is among the best players in the league at a handful of things the Celts are bad at.  The only area of weakness he wouldn't address is shooting.

I think he'd be a major addition for the Celts.  Not sure that gets them to the Finals, however.

And he could be wearing the green - if Ainge hadn't whiffed on him in the draft.

Go figure.

[alldaboston]

Deandre Jordan is among the best players in the league at a handful of things the Celts are bad at.  The only area of weakness he wouldn't address is shooting.

I think he'd be a major addition for the Celts.  Not sure that gets them to the Finals, however.

And he could be wearing the green - if Ainge hadn't whiffed on him in the draft.

Go figure.

Man, sometimes I feel you're the best poster on this board. Seriously, the amount of depth and value you bring to these threads is just incredible, with your one word answers, and your snarky anti-Danny comments. Incredibly meaningful stuff, Bo.

[chambers]

The big question is....would you ever give up the 17' Brooklyn pick for him?

How about Jaylen Brown?

He's an incredible defensive player.
I'm not sure he's as effective on offense unless he's with a CP3/Rondo/Steve Nash kinda point guard given his reliance on perfect lobs and easy 'gimmes' from CP3.


I don't think I'd give up the 17' Brooklyn pick for him but I'd give up Jaylen Brown.

With DJ we'd be the best defensive team in the NBA and a brutally tough outing for any team in the NBA. A Horford/ Jordan front court is a championship level defensive duo.
We might not beat GSW but we'd take the Cavs to 7 games pretty easily IMO with a fully healthy squad.
Add DJ and continue to add other pieces to the championship puzzle.

OP, maybe add a poll to the discussion?

What would you give up for DeAndre Jordan on the Celtics?

1) 2017 Brooklyn pick
2) Jaylen Brown
3) Neither

[Rosco917]

Does he fit with the style the Celtics want to play? He clogs the middle on offense, waiting for a pass 2 ft from the rim. His free throw shooting is a mess.

Defense is important yes, but I can think of several centers that would be a better fit.

[chambers]

Does he fit with the style the Celtics want to play? He clogs the middle on offense, waiting for a pass 2 ft from the rim. His free throw shooting is a mess.

Defense is important yes, but I can think of several centers that would be a better fit.

He doesn't clog the middle really. He's excellent in the high pick and roll and with Horford garnering attention in a corner he'd run an amazing tandem with Isaiah Thomas in the pick and roll. Brad would probably just get him adding in extra passes and decoy pick and rolls for three point shooters.

His free throw shooting is horrid but not as bad with the new hack a shaq rules.

[elcotte]

Deandre Jordan is among the best players in the league at a handful of things the Celts are bad at.  The only area of weakness he wouldn't address is shooting.

I think he'd be a major addition for the Celts.  Not sure that gets them to the Finals, however.

And he could be wearing the green - if Ainge hadn't whiffed on him in the draft.

Go figure.

Man, sometimes I feel you're the best poster on this board. Seriously, the amount of depth and value you bring to these threads is just incredible, with your one word answers, and your snarky anti-Danny comments. Incredibly meaningful stuff, Bo.

Bo don't know.

[Big333223]

I caught the last game the USA Men's team played and Deandre was the best player on the floor for them. His defense and rebounding were ahead of anyone else on the floor and the second a defender took a step away from him, he was in the air catching a lob.

But in the final seconds, he couldn't be on the floor because his FT shooting it so terrible.

I'd absolutely take him. I think he and Horford would be a nice fit next to one another and they could spend plenty of time apart as well, giving the team totally different looks, which is nice. I might make shooting free throws underhanded a condition to bring him in, though.

[max215]

I'm a big DeAndre fan, but I strongly prefer Al at center. I guess Cleveland would really struggle with the size of a Horford/Jordan frontcourt, though.

[Surferdad]

I caught the last game the USA Men's team played and Deandre was the best player on the floor for them. His defense and rebounding were ahead of anyone else on the floor and the second a defender took a step away from him, he was in the air catching a lob.

But in the final seconds, he couldn't be on the floor because his FT shooting it so terrible.

I'd absolutely take him. I think he and Horford would be a nice fit next to one another and they could spend plenty of time apart as well, giving the team totally different looks, which is nice. I might make shooting free throws underhanded a condition to bring him in, though.

For the right deal, I'd probably take DeAndre too, but that bad FT shooting is a significant gap for a playoff team in the last 5 minutes of a crucial game. Same with Drummond.  I just don't know if you can build a championship team with either one.