The Pelicans are bringing back big man DeAndre Jordan, NBA insider Chris Haynes reports (via Twitter). While Haynes doesn’t specify the terms of the contract it seems certain to be another one-year, minimum-salary deal.
Jordan played 12 games for New Orleans last season, including seven starts, and provided a valued veteran presence in the locker room.
The veteran center averaged 4.4 points and 6.3 rebounds in just 16.6 minutes per game, but much of his impact came as a leader and mentor, especially to Zion Williamson and rookie big man Derik Queen, Mark Medina of Forbes notes (Twitter link).
Jordan is expected to continue serving as a mentor and guide for Queen as the talented young big man looks to solidify his place in the league, according to ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk (Twitter link).
This will be the 19th season in the league for the three-time All-NBA center, and Medina notes that he has previously expressed the desire to play in the NBA for 20 years.
