What Happened to Hyland DeAndre Jordan Jr.?
DeAndre Jordan is an American professional basketball player known for his dominant rebounding and shot-blocking throughout a career spanning over 18 seasons. After a decade with the Los Angeles Clippers during the 'Lob City' era, he has played for several NBA teams, winning an NBA championship with the Denver Nuggets in 2023, and is currently with the New Orleans Pelicans as a veteran presence and occasional starter.
Quick Answer
As of March 2026, DeAndre Jordan is playing center for the New Orleans Pelicans, having signed a one-year contract for the 2025-26 season. At 37 years old, he serves as a veteran mentor and has seen occasional starting opportunities due to team injuries, demonstrating his continued presence in the league. He recently commented on the retirement of his former 'Lob City' teammate, Chris Paul.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Drafted by Los Angeles Clippers
DeAndre Jordan was selected by the Los Angeles Clippers in the second round (35th overall) of the 2008 NBA Draft.
Peak of 'Lob City' Era and League Leader
During this period, Jordan became a dominant force in the NBA, leading the league in field goal percentage for five consecutive seasons and twice leading in rebounding (2014, 2015).
All-NBA Third Team & All-Defensive First Team
Jordan received his first All-NBA Third Team selection and was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team, recognizing his elite defensive prowess.
All-NBA First Team & Olympic Gold Medalist
He achieved All-NBA First Team honors and won a gold medal as a member of the U.S. Olympic men's basketball team at the Rio de Janeiro Games.
First NBA All-Star Selection
DeAndre Jordan was selected for his first and only NBA All-Star game, a testament to his consistent high-level performance.
Signs with Dallas Mavericks
After a decade with the Clippers, Jordan signed a one-year, $22.9 million deal with the Dallas Mavericks in free agency.
Signs with Brooklyn Nets
After a brief stint with the New York Knicks following a trade from Dallas, Jordan signed a four-year, $40 million contract with the Brooklyn Nets.
Signs with Los Angeles Lakers
After being traded to the Detroit Pistons and reaching a buyout agreement, Jordan signed with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Signs with Denver Nuggets
After being waived by the Lakers and a short period with the Philadelphia 76ers, Jordan signed with the Denver Nuggets.
Wins NBA Championship with Denver Nuggets
DeAndre Jordan achieved his first NBA championship as a reserve center for the Denver Nuggets, who defeated the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals.
Signs with New Orleans Pelicans
Jordan signed a one-year, $3.6 million minimum-salary contract with the New Orleans Pelicans for the 2025-26 season, providing veteran depth.
Vintage Performance for Pelicans
Starting due to team injuries, Jordan delivered a notable performance with 15 rebounds and four blocks in a 126-111 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.
Comments on Chris Paul's Retirement
Jordan spoke out in defense of his former 'Lob City' teammate Chris Paul following Paul's retirement from the NBA over the 2026 All-Star Weekend.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
DeAndre Jordan, born July 21, 1988, carved out a significant NBA career primarily as an elite rebounder and rim protector. Drafted 35th overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in 2008, he spent his first ten seasons with the team, becoming a cornerstone of the high-flying 'Lob City' era alongside Chris Paul and Blake Griffin. During this period, Jordan earned an NBA All-Star selection in 2017, two All-NBA Third Team honors (2015, 2017), an All-NBA First Team selection (2016), and two NBA All-Defensive First Team nods (2015, 2016). He also led the league in rebounding twice (2014, 2015) and won a gold medal with Team USA at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Following his impactful tenure with the Clippers, Jordan embarked on a more nomadic phase of his career, playing for several teams including the Dallas Mavericks (2018-2019), New York Knicks (2019), Brooklyn Nets (2019-2021), Los Angeles Lakers (2021-2022), and Philadelphia 76ers (2022). These moves often reflected a shift in his role from a primary defensive anchor to a veteran presence providing depth and leadership. A significant turning point came when he signed with the Denver Nuggets in July 2022, where he contributed to their historic 2023 NBA Championship, securing his first career title.
As of the 2025-26 NBA season, Jordan, at 37, is playing for the New Orleans Pelicans. He signed a one-year, $3.6 million contract with the team on October 24, 2025, providing frontcourt depth amidst injuries to other players like Kevon Looney and Yves Missi. While his playing time has significantly decreased from his prime, he has seen occasional starts in late February and early March 2026, showcasing his ability to still contribute with rebounding and blocks when called upon. For instance, on February 21, 2026, he delivered a vintage performance with 15 rebounds and four blocks in a Pelicans victory.
Jordan's current role extends beyond on-court statistics; he is valued for his veteran leadership and mentorship of younger players, including Zion Williamson and rookie Derik Queen. He remains a respected figure in the league, recently reflecting on the retirement of his former Clippers teammate Chris Paul in March 2026. His contract with the Pelicans makes him an unrestricted free agent at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Hyland DeAndre Jordan Jr. made different choices?