The 5 worst signings of 2019 NBA free agency
2. DeAndre Jordan
Not one hour into the start of free agency and the Brooklyn Nets emerged winners of the summer. In signing both Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, the franchise immediately rose to championship contender status. flanked by a supporting cast of young talent coming off a surprising run to the playoffs.
One such youngster was Jarrett Allen, who took another step in his progression as the man in the middle for Brooklyn. The sophomore averaged 10.9 points along with 8.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in just 26.2 minutes a game. No matter how free agency shook out, Nets fans were excited about their young blossoming center.
Despite averaging 11.0 points and 13.1 rebounds a night last season, DeAndre Jordan isn’t the player he once was. Aside from the fact that the NBA is moving farther away from guys of his ilk, DJ’s once sky-walking athleticism has diminished, along with his effort level at the defensive end.
Kenny Atkinson wouldn't commit to a starter in the Jarrett Allen-DeAndre Jordan center battle. But he said after speaking with Jordan - who hasn't come off the bench in a game since 2011 - the vet told him he'll do whatever is needed for #Nets to win.
— Brian Lewis (@NYPost_Lewis) July 9, 2019
He served well as a member of the New York Knicks as more of a mentor last season. When rumors linked him to the Nets prior to free agency, it was presumed the former All-NBA center would take on a similar role.
The Nets clearly didn’t feel the same way, as evidenced by the four-year, $40 million contract they gifted Jordan. Having grown close to KD and Irving over the years, the trio appeared to be a package deal, but does that mean the Nets had to fork over as much cash as they did for a soon to be 31-year-old center on the downside of his career?
DJ can still do what he does at a high level and is sure to serve Brooklyn well as a seasoned playoff veteran. It’s a price tag that exceeds his production, along with the minutes he is sure to steal from a burgeoning center. It only slightly diminishes the fantastic summer the Nets organization has experienced in 2019.