Mark Cuban says 'Shaq-like' DeAndre Jordan can be franchise player
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Chandler Parsons isn't the only salesman on the Dallas Mavericks. Owner Mark Cuban also knows how to pour the honey on.
The Mavericks landed their star center for the future on Friday, reportedly agreeing to terms with DeAndre Jordan on a four-year, $81-million deal. Jordan gives the Mavericks a lethal pick-and-roll threat, an all-consuming rebounder and a defensive anchor. No matter how you cut it, the deal is a win.
A jubilant Cuban couldn't help but pile on the compliments for his prized acquisition.
"We see him as Shaq-like but never having been given the opportunity," said a giddy Cuban, speaking on "The Bob & Dan Show" on Sports Radio 1310 The Ticket. "We told him if he came to the Mavs, he would be a focal point. He would grow into being a franchise player."
Comparing Jordan to Shaquille O'Neal might be a stretch. They're both gigantic 7-footers with superhuman athleticism, but through age 27, O'Neal already had seven All-Star appearances, two Finals appearances and one title while being his teams' undisputed No. 1 option.
O'Neal and Jordan's stats through their first seven seasons are night and day.
| Statistic | Shaq | Jordan |
|---|---|---|
| PPG | 27.1 | 8 |
| RPG | 12.2 | 9 |
| APG | 2.5 | 0.5 |
| BPG | 2.6 | 1.7 |
| MPG | 37.3 | 26.1 |
| USG% | 30.7 | 13.3 |
| TS% | 58.4 | 62.2 |
| PER | 27.4 | 17.2 |
Of course, there is the qualifier of being a focal point. In his seven seasons as a Clipper, Jordan never once posted a usage rate above 16 percent. He was too raw when he first entered the league, but his maturation coincided with the arrival and immediate genius of Blake Griffin. They were later joined by Chris Paul, which knocked Jordan down another peg.
Jordan profiles as a catch-and-dunk player, not as a post-up threat. He only posted up 66 times last season, ranking below names like Khris Middleton and Kosta Koufos. Jordan also can't shoot from any meaningful distance, isn't a strong dribbler for his position, and isn't a particularly creative passer. It's tough to see him as a focal point.
Cuban's expectations, however, aren't entirely unrealistic.
"We told him that you'e capable of being a 20-20 guy," Cuban said. "You're just not being given the opportunity."
Jordan might not necessarily average 20 points and 20 rebounds a game (a feat unmatched since Wilt Chamberlain in 1968-69), but he did manage four 20-20 games last season. The rebounding part should be no problem alongside Dirk Nowitzki, and if Cuban does follow through with his promise of featuring Jordan on offense, perhaps the points per game can follow.
The 26-year-old averaged 11.5 points, 15 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks in 34.4 minutes per game last season. He was also named to the NBA All-Defensive Team.