Sports

DeAndre Jordan Happy with Clippers After Free Agent ‘Fiasco’

Published

10 years ago

July 22, 2015

Los Angeles Clippers DeAndre Jordan, middle, the league rebounding champion, is reintroduced at a Staples Center news conference with teammates, forward Branden Dawson, left, and guard Austin Rivers, right, in Los Angeles on Tuesday, July 21, 2015. (AP Photo/Nick Ut)

GREG BEACHAM, AP Sports Writer

LOS ANGELES (AP) — DeAndre Jordan thought the Dallas Mavericks offered everything he wanted, including a fresh start and a starring role.

Then Jordan thought about it some more, and the craziest free-agent recruitment story in recent NBA history ended with him back on the Los Angeles Clippers.

“When free agency started, this whole fiasco was not my intent,” Jordan said Tuesday.

Jordan celebrated his 27th birthday at Staples Center with the Clippers, proudly holding up the revamped version of his familiar No. 6 jersey alongside new teammates Paul Pierce and Josh Smith.

Yet Jordan realizes he nearly derailed the Clippers’ title hopes and definitely disrupted Dallas’ retooling plans by backing out of his verbal commitment. The two-time NBA rebounding champion changed his mind after days of existential angst and a frantic trip to Houston by the Clippers’ leaders to sit out the final hours of the signing moratorium together.

Jordan knows he picked an awfully weird way to stick with the same team, but he regretted the decision to join the Mavs shortly after making it.

“Originally with Dallas, I thought I wanted change,” Jordan said. “I wanted a bigger role and more responsibility, and I was ready to embrace and accept that challenge. But (when) I got by myself and I was able to think about everything that just happened, I realized that being with the Clippers was the best decision for me.”

Jordan has spent his entire seven-year career with the Clippers, who have made four straight playoff appearances for the first time. After decades of incompetence, they’ve become one of the NBA’s elite teams with Jordan, Chris Paul and Blake Griffin leading the way under coach Doc Rivers.

Jordan decided he had to find out how this story ends.

“I really thought about being on one team for my entire career,” said Jordan, who agreed to a four-year, $87.6 million deal to return. “That was really important to me. I’ve been here, and the past few seasons I’ve had have been pretty successful. I also feel like personally, I know the city. I know the fans. I’m used to the city of L.A., and I love it here.”

With four straight winning seasons and a growing fan base, the Clippers have shaken off their lamentable history under Donald Sterling and opened a prosperous new era under billionaire owner Steve Ballmer.

The Clippers also retooled their roster after their second-round playoff exit this spring — even if it would have meant much less if the big man had left a hole in the middle. Instead, Jordan was all smiles at Staples Center alongside fellow returnee Austin Rivers and five new teammates: Pierce, Smith, Wesley Johnson, Cole Aldrich and rookie Branden Dawson.

“First of all, he never left,” Rivers said. “I keep hearing that he came back. He never left. He talked about it, but he came back. I tell DJ all the time, you should be celebrated for making the right decision. I think he had that right to do that. It has happened before. It happens in business all the time, and the difference is, what we do is public, so everybody gets a chance to talk about it.”

Jordan realizes he left plenty of angry fans back in his home state. Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has dismissed the apology posted on Jordan’s Twitter account.

“We make decisions in life, and when you go back and change your mind on them, I feel like the only thing you can do is man up and apologize for it,” Jordan said. “And that’s what I did. I can’t speak for Mark or anybody else.”

Jordan has led the league in rebounding and field-goal percentage for two straight years, yet his initial logic for leaving the Clippers suggests he occasionally feels overlooked in the shadow of his two All-Star teammates. Still, he scoffed at the idea he has a fractured relationship with Paul.

“I love Chris,” Jordan said. “When Chris got here, he changed the culture of our team. He helped me out in so many ways on and off the floor, just becoming a better player and a student of the game. I know it may look (like an argument) on the floor because we’re both emotional and vocal players. But when it comes down to it, we’re criticizing each other because we want what’s best for the team.”

Rivers and Jordan both laughed at the memory of July 8, which the Clippers’ leaders spent holed up in Jordan’s home before he could sign his deal. Griffin kept fans entertained by tweeting photos of a chair wedged under the knob on Jordan’s front door, or a tent in the backyard at the supposed siege.

“It wasn’t a hostage situation,” Jordan said with a grin. “I feel like I’m a pretty big guy, and I don’t think they could lock me inside my own house.”

“Oh no, we could lock him up,” Rivers interjected. “If we wanted to, that would have happened.”

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Seth Curry Makes Impressive Debut with the Golden State Warriors

Seth looked comfortable in his new uniform, seamlessly fitting into the Warriors’ offensive and defensive system. He finished the night with an impressive 14 points, becoming one of the team’s top scorers for the game. Seth’s points came in a variety of ways – floaters, spot-up three-pointers, mid-range jumpers, and a handful of aggressive drives that kept the Oklahoma City Thunder defense on its heels.

Published

1 day ago

December 4, 2025

Oakland Post

Seth Curry is a point guard on the GSW team.Photo courtesy of the Golden State Warriors.

By Y’Anad Burrell

Tuesday night was anything but ordinary for fans in San Francisco as Seth Curry made his highly anticipated debut as a new member of the Golden State Warriors. Seth didn’t disappoint, delivering a performance that not only showcased his scoring ability but also demonstrated his added value to the team.

At 35, the 12-year NBA veteran on Monday signed a contract to play with the Warriors for the rest of the season.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening came before Seth even scored his first points. As he checked into the game, the Chase Center erupted into applause, with fans rising to their feet to give the newest Warrior a standing ovation.

The crowd’s reaction was a testament not only to Seth’s reputation as a sharpshooter but also to the excitement he brings to the Warriors. It was clear that fans quickly embraced Seth as one of their own, eager to see what he could bring to the team’s championship aspirations.

Warriors’ superstar Steph Curry – Seth’s brother – did not play due to an injury. One could only imagine what it would be like if the Curry brothers were on the court together. Magic in the making.

Seth’s debut proved to be a turning point for the Warriors. Not only did he contribute on the scoreboard, but he also brought a sense of confidence and composure to the floor.

While their loss last night, OKC 124 – GSW 112, Seth’s impact was a game-changer and there’s more yet to come. Beyond statistics, it was clear that Seth’s presence elevated the team’s performance, giving the Warriors a new force as they look to make a deep playoff run.

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Barbara Lee

WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries Kick Off Season with Community Programs in Oakland

“The Golden State Valkyries are more than a team—they’re a movement,” said Oakland Interim-Mayor Kevin Jenkins. “Their touchdown in Oakland marks a new era of opportunity, inspiration, and equity in sports. This partnership reflects our city’s deep commitment to uplifting women, investing in youth, and building a community where every dream has a place to grow. We’re proud to welcome the Valkyries to The Town.”

Published

7 months ago

May 18, 2025

Oakland Post

The Valkyries came to Oakland City Hall with a “Hoopbus.” Present were (from left to right): City Councilmembers Noel Gallo, Rebecca Kaplan, Zac Unger and Rowena Brown; Oakland Mayor-elect Barbara Lee, Valkyries President Jess Smith, a Valkyries team representative and Deputy Mayor LaNiece Jones. Photo courtesy Rebecca Kaplan’s office.

Team installs new nets at playgrounds, holds flag-raisings at City Halls in Oakland and S.F.

Special to The Post

The Golden State Valkyries brought the excitement of their inaugural season to every corner of the Bay Area with a full slate of community celebrations leading up to their historic home-opener against the Los Angeles Sparks at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Friday.

The week featured flag-raising ceremonies at city halls in Oakland and San Francisco, three “Violet Net” installation days at Oakland parks to encourage basketball play, fun “Hoopbus” takeovers at multiple schools presented by Kaiser Permanente, and player appearances.

In total, 90 violet nets were installed on 45 basketball courts across 34 public parks throughout Oakland this week. A list of the parks receiving violet nets can be found at Valkyries.com.

About the Golden State Valkyries

The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA affiliate of the seven-time NBA Champion Golden State Warriors, were announced as the 13th WNBA franchise on Oct. 5, 2023. According to Norse mythology, Valkyries are a host of warrior women who are fearless and unwavering – flying through air and sea alike.

This brand is Golden State’s modern interpretation of Valkyries: strong, bold, and fierce. Tipping off during the 2025 WNBA season, the team is headquartered in Oakland and will play home games at Chase Center in San Francisco. For Golden State Valkyries’ assets, including team logos, visit valkyries.com.

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McClymonds High Names School Gym for Star Graduate, Basketball Legend Bill Russell

William “Bill” Felton Russell was born on Feb. 12, 1934, and died on July 31, 2022. He achieved fame as a U.S. professional basketball player who played center for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1956 to 1969. He was the centerpiece of the Celtics dynasty that won 11 NBA championships during his 13-year career.

Published

10 months ago

February 18, 2025

Oakland Post

Bill Russell and Brian McGhee in McClymonds High School Gym, 2011. Photo courtesy of Brian McGhee.

By Ken Epstein

West Oakland’s McClymonds High School, “the School of Champions,” this week named the school’s gymnasium in honor of one of its most famous graduates, basketball legend Bill Russell (class of ’52).

Russell is widely known as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. In 2011, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civil honor, from President Barack Obama for Russell’s contributions to basketball and the Civil Rights Movement.

The McClymonds’ naming ceremony was held on Wednesday, the same day as Russell’s birthday. Oakland leader Bill Patterson, a longtime friend of Russell’s, was scheduled to cut the ribbon at the reopening of the gym, which had been closed for several months for renovation. Russell’s daughter Karen was scheduled to attend the ribbon cutting.

Russell’s name and signature are now printed on the gymnasium floor.

Patterson was working at DeFremery Park when he met Russell. “I befriended him as a boy and during his years at University of San Francisco” said Patterson. “We stayed friends for the rest of his life.”

Said McClymonds Principal Darielle Davis, herself a McClymonds graduate, “We are excited to honor Bill Russell for his sports accolades and because he broke color barriers. He is part of our legacy, and legacy is really important at McClymonds.”

Brian McGhee, community schools manager at McClymonds and former football player at UC Berkeley, said that Russell meant a lot to him and others at the school. “He was a beacon of light and hope for West Oakland,” he said. “He did a lot for sports and for civil rights.”

Starting in 2018, Ben “Coach” Tapscott worked with Patterson and other McClymonds grads, community members, and former coaches to encourage the Oakland Board of Education to endorse the naming of the school gym, which finally happened recently.

“We worked hard to make this happen,” said Tapscott. “He’s an important part of McClymond’s history, along with a lot of other famous graduates,” he said.