So I guess we won’t be seeing DeAndre Jordan in New Orleans.
According to a story courtesy ProbasketballTalk via the Los Angeles Times, the Clippers center is ready to turn down the NBA’s offer to participate in the dunk contest if he isn’t selected to the all-star team.
DeAndre Jordan wants to be in the All-Star game as a participant, not just as a dunker.
So when NBA officials approached the Clippers’ center before Friday’s game about being in the dunk contest, Jordan told them what his true wish was.
“I just told them I wanted to see what happens,” Jordan said. “I’m not trying to disrespect them. But I want to be in the All-Star game as a player and not just as a dunker.”
Look, I’m not going to sit here and say Jordan isn’t worthy of being an All Star. He leads the league in rebounds per game, field goal percentage (mostly dunks), third in blocks, is basically averaging a double-double and the Clippers are winning (what was my point again?). But there just may be too many quality big men in front of him for him to make the team.
And if DeAndre wants to be known for more than dunking then he has to stop throwing down these vicious and awesome dunks.