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DeAndre Jordan was a first time All Star this season, and capped off that triumph with a spot on the All NBA Third team. When All Defense teams are announced, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him be the center for the 2nd team (Rudy Gobert has the 1st team locked down).
DJ was awarded 54 points in the voting— 3 1st place ballots, 7 2nd place ballots, and 18 3rd place ballots. His 54 points were the lowest amount of any player to make the All NBA teams, just a hair ahead of Karl Anthony Towns with 50. While it’s a bit surprising that three people thought he was the best center in basketball this season over Gobert (2nd team) and Anthony Davis (1st), DJ and the Clippers will take it.
Jordan averaged 12.7 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks in the 2016-2017 season while shooting a career high 71.4% from the field. He also was able to raise his free throw shooting up to 48.2%.
DJ continues to be one of the best centers in basketball, and at age 29 and with no significant injuries of any sort, should remain such for the next couple years. He is far and away the greatest Clippers’ center of all time, and one of the most decorated players at any position in the franchises’ history. DJ’s improvement from his rookie season to the All Star/All NBA player he is today is incredibly impressive, and a testament to his hard work and talent.
Congratulations to DJ, and let’s hope more of these All NBA team awards lie ahead in his future with the Clippers!
Here is the press release on NBA.com with the full voting and team winners.