Paul And Jordan Setting A Gold Standard
- Updated: May 26, 2016
Wednesday afternoon the NBA released this season’s All-NBA defensive teams and the Los Angeles Clippers were pretty damn easy to find.
#KiaDPOY@kawhileonard joined by @Money23Green@deandrejordan6@CP3 & Avery Bradley on All-Defensive First Team! pic.twitter.com/m2giSzTvpr
— NBA (@NBA) May 25, 2016
Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan are the only teammates on the first team defense this season and that alone would have been great validation for Doc Rivers‘ defense and team.
Paul ended out the year with an impressive 2.1 steals per game, putting him third among all point guards in the NBA. His ability to always be on his game defensively and the competitive drive to not allow his assignment easy baskets is likely what landed him atop this list at his position.
Jordan’s defensive prowess is possibly the easiest thing to notice when watching this team play. Yes, even more than the lobs. Opposing players will do everything in their power to avoid driving inside because once they enter the paint with big number six in there, that ball will probably not find the net. Jordan averaged 2.3 blocks, 0.7 steals and 10.3 defensive rebounds per game in his 2015-16 campaign. But this wasn’t the only praise Jordan would receive this postseason.
The 2015-16 All-NBA First Team features @StephenCurry30@KingJames@russwest44@kawhileonard & @deandrejordan6pic.twitter.com/4mAJXbCPE0
— NBA (@NBA) May 26, 2016
All-NBA first team is how you’ll have to address the former Texas A&M Aggie next season after winning the honor Thursday afternoon. This is the 27 year-old’s first time receiving this honor and he did so for good reason. Rounding out the season with a career high 12.7 points per game to go along with 13.8 rebounds per game. Jordan again did as only he can and achieved it all while shooting a league-leading percentage of over 70% from the field for the second consecutive season.
Paul joined Jordan with All-NBA honors appearing on the All-NBA second team at the point guard position. Clippers Head Coach Doc Rivers tried to limit Paul’s minutes this season to preserve the star for the playoffs, this took great restraint after the injury-riddled season the team had but it worked. Paul played a career-low 32.7 minutes per game but it didn’t effect his numbers. Finishing the season with 19.5 points, 10 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game show the 10-year veteran’s experience and drive.
Despite the disappointing finish to what was supposed to be an NBA season where the Clippers finally flourished in the playoffs, this is a huge sign of respect to the ball club and its elite talent. The Clippers organization and fans should be proud of these achievements.
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