Hoops Habit
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Top 5 Centers Of The First Quarter

By Kyle Tomasi

Oct 18, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) is defended by Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) is defended by Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 29, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) dunks against the Brooklyn Nets during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) dunks against the Brooklyn Nets during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

DeAndre Jordan

A more prototypical big, DeAndre Jordan has not been forced to change his game to fit the mold of today’s centers. He has enough firepower around him that he can be the defensive anchor the Los Angeles Clippers need.

The Clippers currently rank seventh in opponents’ points per game, allowing 99.8 a contest. Jordan is a key reason as to why the Clippers have been so locked in defensively. He is looking for his first Defensive Player of the Year honor, an award that coach Doc Rivers thinks is possible.

Rivers is on record for saying that D.J. is “clearly the Defensive Player of the Year” last season. (per sbnation.com)

Whether it’s putting players on posters and stopping posters being printed on his end, Jordan’s sheer athletic ability has allowed him to be one of the most athletic bigs the league has seen. He can get off the floor in a matter of seconds and finish around the rim among the best of them.

Jordan has never stunned anyone with his numbers on the offensive end but his presence at the rim will make any grown man tremble. He is seventh in the league among centers in blocks per game (1.70) and has averaged 1.8 blocks over his career.

The former second-round pick has proven to be a beast on the boards averaging 13.8 rebounds per game the last four seasons. He is the Clippers’ all-time leader in rebounds. tallying an impressive 5.998 in just more than eight seasons.

Jordan still has some good years ahead of him and depending on what happens in the offseason for the Clippers, Jordan could continue to be the staple on the defensive end.