Veteran Pelicans Center DeAndre Jordan Shines in Rare Start

37-year-old Jordan blocks 4 shots and grabs 15 rebounds in win over 76ers

Feb. 22, 2026 at 5:06am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In just his third game of the season, veteran NBA center DeAndre Jordan made the most of his rare playing time, delivering a vintage performance to help the New Orleans Pelicans defeat the Philadelphia 76ers 126-111 on Saturday night. Jordan, who has spent most of the season on the bench, was inserted into the starting lineup by coach James Borrego and responded with 15 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 6 points in nearly 32 minutes of action.

Why it matters

Jordan, an 18-year NBA veteran and former All-Star, has been brought in by the Pelicans to serve as a mentor for the team's younger interior players. His strong performance in this game shows he can still contribute on the court when called upon, providing a boost to the Pelicans' defense and interior presence.

The details

Pelicans coach James Borrego decided to start the 37-year-old Jordan after being disappointed with his team's defensive effort in a loss to the Bucks the previous night. Jordan responded by swatting away several 76ers shots, including a driving floater by Kelly Oubre Jr. and a 3-point attempt by VJ Edgecombe. Jordan also provided an offensive highlight with an alley-oop dunk off a pass from Herb Jones.

  • Jordan had not played since October 29th.
  • The Pelicans' game against the 76ers took place on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

The players

DeAndre Jordan

A 37-year-old veteran center in his 18th NBA season, who has been brought in by the Pelicans to serve as a mentor for the team's younger interior players.

James Borrego

The head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans, who decided to insert the veteran Jordan into the starting lineup after being disappointed with his team's defensive effort in a previous game.

Derik Queen

A first-round draft choice of the Pelicans, one of the younger interior players Jordan has been tasked with mentoring.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'll probably have some Bordeaux tonight.”

— DeAndre Jordan

“His impact defensively for us tonight was massive. To be a good defensive ball club in this league, you've got to have some type of physicality, rim protection, deterrence, a presence in the middle — and he provided that.”

— James Borrego, Pelicans Head Coach

“Any time you can go out a compete in this league, it's a gift, man. It was cool to be able to go out there and play tonight.”

— DeAndre Jordan

What’s next

The Pelicans will look to build on this win and Jordan's strong performance as they try to improve their 16-42 record over the final 24 games of the regular season.

The takeaway

DeAndre Jordan's vintage performance in this game shows he can still contribute at a high level when given the opportunity, providing a boost to the Pelicans' defense and interior presence. His willingness to embrace a mentorship role for the team's younger players also highlights his professionalism and commitment to the team's long-term success.