Clippers' Jordan: Centers will never be extinct in NBA

NBA All-Star voting no longer recognizes the center position, whether it's fans selecting the starting lineups or coaches picking the reserves. This leaves true centers like DeAndre Jordan of the Los Angeles Clippers in a rough spot, as they're grouped with forwards to fill out vacancies in the frontcourt.

"The game is definitely evolving. It's becoming more guard-oriented. But at the same time we've got a lot of big guys who still kick ass," Jordan said following practice with the U.S. men's national team Wednesday, according to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne.

"We'll never be extinct, even though there's no more 'centers' in the NBA ... just call me a forward when you introduce me against starting lineups."

Jordan earned himself a spot on the All-NBA First Team last season, despite not representing the Clippers as an All-Star in Toronto. In fact, the 27-year-old has never been an All-Star during his eight years as a pro.

That unfortunate blemish on his resume bothered him not too long ago, but now, Jordan simply takes more pride in what he's actually achieved rather than dwelling on what he hasn't.

"I think this (Olympics) is way bigger than any of that. I think making first-team All-NBA is way bigger than any of that," Jordan said. "When I was younger I used to care (about not making the All-Star team). But now it doesn't matter as much to me. As long as I have the respect of my peers, that's all that matters."

He claims he won't partake in the annual Slam Dunk Contest until he's an All-Star, though.

In 77 appearances last season, Jordan finished first in the NBA in field-goal percentage (70.3), second in rebounds per game (13.8), and second in rejections (2.3), along with his career-high 12.7 points.