6 Deandre Jordan (USA)
30/08/2016
News
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Jordan reaching new heights with international ball

RIO DE JANEIRO (Rio 2016 Olympic Games) - DeAndre Jordan had just given everything he had to lead the USA past Spain in the Semi-Finals of the Rio Olympics when someone asked if his exertions this summer would take a toll on his body in the upcoming NBA season with the Los Angeles Clippers.

"I'm 28 years, so I'm young," he answered.

The experience with his national team, he said, was going to help him in numerous ways.

"I think this just propels your readiness for the season, being able to play like we have and learning different things from these guys on the team and the great coaches that we have," he said. "It just helps you out as a basketball player and as a man. I don't think it's going to have a negative effect on me. I think it will be positive."


Jordan believes his USA experience will help him in the NBA

Jordan, who had played for the USA at the 2007 FIBA U19 World Championship but did not suit up for the senior side until this year, was a huge positive for the Americans in Rio. He was the team's most intimidating player and one of its most physical.

"I really think that over the last decade, most of the guys that played during the summer have had some of their best years." - USA coach Mike Krzyzewski

His strength and length came to the fore in the game against Spain, an 82-76 USA victory. Jordan blocked four shots, affected others and also controlled the boards with 16 rebounds.

He was a factor that Spain, the biggest threat to USA supremacy at the last three Olympics, could not account for.

The USA then routed Serbia, 96-66, giving coach Mike Krzyzewski his third straight gold medal triumph at the Olympics.

The veteran firmly believes that Jordan and the rest of his USA teammates are going to be more effective for their NBA teams in 2016-17.

"I really think that over the last decade, most of the guys that played during the summer have had some of their best years," Krzyzewski said. "They're going to be working out (in the summer) anyway. I think it's great for them. That's been shown that guys have had great years after playing in the summer for the United States."

FIBA