NBA News: Jordan Officially Joins Sixers, Could See Career Reboot Under Rivers

For DeAndre Jordan, the last couple of years has been far from comforting. But a reunion with his old coach, Doc Rivers, in Philadelphia could help him recall his old form.

Jordan was officially picked up by the Philadelphia 76ers after he was cut by the Los Angeles Lakers. The All-Star center was hardly utilized by the Lakers this season and spent most of the time on the bench.

In the 32 games that he has played this season, the 33-year-old has only seen 12.8 minutes of action, averaging 4.1 points and 5.4 rebounds. These are career-low numbers with the 6-foot-11 center’s career continuing to decline since the 2018-19 season.

Jordan officially signed with the Sixers and was welcomed by the Sixers on Friday, Mar. 4.

The 33-year-old thus becomes the third ex-Lakers’ center to join the 76ers. Before him, Dwight Howard and Andre Drummond had stints with the Sixers before moving onward to new teams.

Howard returned to the Lakers while Drummond is now playing for the Brooklyn Nets, part of that James Harden trade.

Worth noting is that after Howard and Drummond’s time in Philly, they showed renewed vigor. Considering that Jordan is no stranger to Rivers, there is reason to be upbeat that the 33-year-old center can get his act together and hopefully be of use to the NBA playoff aspirations of Philadelphia.

Jordan is expected to spell top star Joel Embiid who has been having a great NBA season.

But overall, Jordan has plenty to prove and will provide muscle inside the paint. His time with the Sixers will be crucial considering his short-term contract could help him join other teams in the summer unless he is kept by Philadelphia after the 2021-22 NBA wars.