DeAndre Jordan no longer considers the what-ifs around the multiple team-wide injuries and underachieving performances that contributed to the Los Angeles Clippers’ failure to advance past the second round during the “Lob City” years.

Instead, Jordan has embraced the next phase of his career. Jordan has enjoyed his new role as both a role player and a mentor during the last two seasons, helping him win his first NBA championship. He has also maintained a strict practice and meditation habit.

“He is one of the most professional guys that I’ve ever been around,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said.

Nonetheless, Jordan’s ears perked up at the prospect of an individual award. Doc Rivers, who coached the Clippers from 2013 to 2020, recently stated on the Sloane Knows! podcast that Jordan should be the first Clippers player to have his jersey number (No. 6) retired and displayed in the rafters. After all, Jordan was a crucial contributor to the Clippers’ six consecutive NBA playoff berths (2011-2017).

“That’s humbling to hear, for sure,” Jordan told Sportskeeda. “Let’s see what happens.” But that’s an accolade that anyone would be delighted to receive. The Clippers have meant a lot to me. I spent the first ten years of my career there. I spent most of my childhood here and learned the game. During my time with the Clippers, I had a lot of success both individually and as a team. “It was amazing.”

DeAndre Jordan interview (exclusive)

Jordan spoke with Sportskeeda about accepting his role with the Nuggets, Blake Griffin’s recent retirement, and more.

Editor’s note: This one-on-one interview has been reduced and trimmed.

How have you embraced and adapted to this new phase of your career?DeAndre Jordan:

“There are no egos in my life at this moment. That comes with age and maturity, as well as my current perspective on life and basketball. I feel extremely lucky to be participating and winning a championship with this group. The longevity aspect of it has been incredible. You don’t get opportunities like this very frequently, especially to play on a fantastic team with a terrific group of men and an MVP. It’s fun for me. I greatly appreciate it. I believe that’s what helps me grasp things.”

You clearly won the title with them. But what else do you love about working with the Nuggets?DeAndre Jordan:

“Being able to help and teach while still having the option to assist when my number is called. Being a pro and learning from older players who taught me how to still have an impact on the game whether you’re playing or not.”

What lessons stand out?DeAndre Jordan:

“Just be ready. Some folks do this. Some people have an issue with that. It’s quite difficult to have that up-and-down rotation. Once you’ve been in this game for a while, you realize that it’s an honor to be in it. You need to appreciate it. “You cannot take it for granted.”

What did you do to stay prepared last year and this year?DeAndre Jordan:

“My regimen remains the same. I’m still a professional. Even when I’m not playing, I’ll play pickup with the younger guys to maintain my cardio and game as tight as possible. However, it is also intended to teach kids about what they see on the floor. “That is my duty as a veteran.”

What emotions did you feel when you guys won the championship last season?DeAndre Jordan:

“It’s odd. I’m not sure how other folks achieved it. But I remembered how many times I had failed to reach that stage. I appreciate that even more. When you reflect on the early exits and heartbreaks, you return to the dimension of Game 5 [of the 2023 NBA Finals]. All of those emotions were stunning. “I enjoyed it.”

Which of those early failures and setbacks influenced you the most?DeAndre Jordan:

“I’m discussing all of my early playoff exits. All of them. Portland [in 2016], when Blake and Chris [Paul] were injured and Austin [Rivers’] eye was damaged. Then in 2015, we were ahead 3-1 versus the Rockets but lost. We were up 2-0 versus Memphis [in 2013] but lost four straight. I still remember things like that. So winning it last year made me value the process even more.”

Do you have any what-ifs about that?DeAndre Jordan:

“No, I can’t. I do not. It’s difficult for me to think about what-if scenarios because I believe I’d drive myself insane. That is something I cannot control. I just try to be as present as possible. It’s difficult because we’re human. We want to fix problems. But I’m satisfied with where I am.”

I read that you’ve been practicing a lot of meditation. How did that happen?DeAndre Jordan:

“It started in 2011 or 2012, during one of our trips to China. We toured temples and meditated beside monks. I returned two more times for the preseason games. I’ve been on my own, and meditation has been a part of my routine. It’s enormous for me. It helps me avoid thinking about previous plays or what will happen next. The only thing I have control over is what is currently happening with this possession. Also, having children helps me relax a little. I’m done and have two boys.”

What did Blake mean to you as he formally announced his retirement?DeAndre Jordan:

“We have been teammates for ten years. Many folks do not receive that opportunity. However, we had a rapport. Our chemistry was excellent. Then we brought Chris in, and it was even better. Those memories I’ve had with the squad, particularly with him, will be among the best of my career. He’s an excellent colleague and a fantastic buddy. He made a significant contribution to my career. We accomplished some fantastic things together.”

We pushed each other. We were both young thundercats attempting to find our way, but we also wanted to advance as quickly as possible. We had set certain goals and expectations for ourselves. However, we held each other accountable in order to achieve those goals. We pushed each other a lot. I told him that seeing his progress motivated me and our team to improve ourselves.

What was your favourite dunk of his?DeAndre Jordan:

“Oh my God! (laughs). All of the ones you have seen. My reaction: I choked him, slapped him in the chest, then punched him out. Blake would do insane things in practice, which was jaw-dropping.”