DeAndre Jordan's Immeasurable Impact on Pelicans' Season

Veteran center played limited minutes but provided invaluable leadership and mentorship to young Pelicans squad.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:00pm

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Despite playing in just 12 games this season, New Orleans Pelicans veteran center DeAndre Jordan had an outsized impact on the team through his leadership, mentorship, and professionalism. At 37 years old, Jordan served as a guiding voice for the Pelicans' young roster, helping develop players both on and off the court. His presence was credited by interim head coach James Borrego as crucial to the growth of the team, even if it didn't translate to more wins.

Why it matters

In a league trending younger, veteran leadership and experience can be invaluable for developing young talent. Jordan's ability to impart wisdom, set an example of professionalism, and foster a positive team culture made a significant difference for the Pelicans this season, even if his on-court production was limited.

The details

Jordan, who turns 38 in July, played in just 12 games this season, averaging 4.4 points per game. But his impact went far beyond the stat sheet. Pelicans interim head coach James Borrego praised Jordan's daily presence, voice, and respect for every practice and moment with the team. Rookie Micah Peavy referred to Jordan as a 'big brother' who he goes to for advice on and off the court. Jordan has also been seen scolding younger players like Herb Jones to maintain accountability and professionalism.

  • DeAndre Jordan was drafted into the NBA in 2008.
  • Jordan turns 38 years old in July 2026.

The players

DeAndre Jordan

A 37-year-old veteran center in his 18th NBA season, known for his leadership, mentorship, and professionalism on the Pelicans' young roster.

Jeremiah Fears

A 19-year-old rookie guard for the Pelicans, who refers to his veteran teammates as 'Unc.'

James Borrego

The Pelicans' interim head coach, who praised Jordan's massive impact on the team's growth and development this season.

Micah Peavy

A Pelicans rookie who sees Jordan as a 'big brother' he can go to for advice on and off the court.

Herb Jones

A Pelicans player who Jordan has been seen scolding to maintain accountability and professionalism.

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What they’re saying

“It takes a village to do this. There are so many people that go into an NBA season to make it work. To see the growth of our young team, DeAndre had a massive impact on that. He brought professionalism every day. A voice every day. A respect for every drill, every practice and every moment together.”

— James Borrego, Pelicans Interim Head Coach

“He's the big brother. Off the court, he helps you a lot. He's been in the league a long time so he's someone I go and talk to about anything. Not just basketball. Life. Investments. Anything. He's been in this thing a long time.”

— Micah Peavy, Pelicans Rookie

“I just always wanted to encourage my teammates. We are an extension of each other. The better they are, the better we are as a team. It's still a competition at the end of the day because you're playing for shots and minutes and contracts and all that stuff. That is a big deal. But it's also a love of the game and wanting somebody else to succeed. When we win, everybody wins.”

— DeAndre Jordan, Pelicans Veteran Center

What’s next

Jordan is one of 12 finalists for the NBA's Teammate of the Year Award, an honor that recognizes his invaluable leadership and mentorship this season.

The takeaway

DeAndre Jordan's veteran presence and guidance proved to be an immeasurable asset for the young Pelicans roster this season, even if his on-court production was limited. His commitment to professionalism, accountability, and developing the next generation of talent underscores the vital role experienced players can play in nurturing a team's growth, regardless of wins and losses.