The Denver Nuggets have officially re-signed veteran center DeAndre Jordan, marking his return for a third season with the team. The announcement, made by General Manager Calvin Booth on Wednesday, confirms the retention of a seasoned player who brings both experience and defensive prowess to the Nuggets’ roster.
Jordan, who finished the 2023-24 season with averages of 3.9 points and 4.4 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 62.4% from the field over 36 games, is set to continue his role as a reliable backup center. His re-signing comes on the heels of a successful season for the Nuggets, where they finished as the second seed in the Western Conference with a 57-25 record.
According to Chris Haynes of NBA on TNT and Bleacher Report, Jordan’s new contract is a one-year deal worth $3.6 million. The deal was initially reported on June 29, highlighting the mutual interest between the player and the franchise to extend their partnership.
DeAndre Jordan’s NBA journey began in 2008 when he was selected as the 35th overall pick in the draft. Over his 16-season career, he has played for several teams including the Los Angeles Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, and Philadelphia 76ers, before joining the Nuggets.
His career averages stand at 8.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game, with a notable field goal percentage of 67.4% across 1,055 regular season games. Jordan has also been a significant presence in the playoffs, appearing in 66 games and starting 59 of them. He was a crucial part of the Nuggets’ roster when they clinched the 2023 NBA Championship.
Jordan’s standout career moment came during the 2017 season when he was selected for the NBA All-Star Game, a testament to his impact on the court. His continued presence in the Nuggets’ lineup is expected to provide stability and mentorship to the younger players, especially given his extensive playoff experience.
Reflecting on his time with the Nuggets, Jordan has been a consistent performer, known for his defensive capabilities and efficient scoring around the basket. His return is seen as a strategic move to bolster the team’s frontcourt depth, an area critical for their championship aspirations.
The Nuggets had a commendable 2023-24 season, emerging as the second seed in a highly competitive Western Conference. Despite a strong start in the playoffs, where they overcame the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round, their journey was cut short by a narrow defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a dramatic Game 7 of the second round.
The team, led by MVP contender Nikola Jokić, is keen to build on their successes and address the areas needing improvement, particularly in their playoff consistency.
Jordan’s return is eagerly anticipated by fans and teammates alike, who value his contribution on and off the court. As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on the Nuggets to see how they leverage their strengthened lineup to navigate the challenges of the Western Conference and push for another title run.
