Clippers star DeAndre Jordan chatted live with fans in China on the NBA’s official Weibo page on Monday 4 Jan. Here’s what DJ had to say about his team, his goals for the year and how he keeps his beard so nice.
What’s it been like, going from 2nd round pick to a potential All-Star? And what’s your relationship like with CP3?
That’s been a process. An uphill battle. With things like that, work definitely pays off. Being a 2nd round pick, you’re behind the 8-ball a little bit, and it really makes you work a lot harder and become a student of the game. And we have a great relationship! He’s like my big, little brother. We’re both competitors, we want to win. He’s definitely helped me to improve since he’s been here
Who’s the best dunker in the NBA?
Oooooh man that’s tough! And I can’t vote for myself? I gotta say Blake. It’s crazy. I’m a fan when I see my teammates play well and whenever he dunks I feel like I dunk. It’s amazing how athletic and acrobatic he is.
When you lose, how do you pick yourself up?
I always watch our film, good or bad, to try to figure out what I did well, what I could improve on. At the end of the day the beautiful thing about the NBA is that there’s 82 games, so it’s a quick turnaround. As long as you can improve it’s a positive.
How do you work on your jumping ability?
That’s kinda tough, ha. I do a lot of weight training on my legs in the summer, a lot of quick jumps. And recovery, that helps a lot, too. Pool exercises, too. Anything with lifting
What’s your goal for this year?
Just to become a better player all-around. Definitely to help my team out and become better all-around in my game.
What’s your favorite kind of dunk?
Hmmmm, I like lobs! Of course. Those are fun, they get the crowd into it. I love the classic tomahawk, too. That’s just a classic.
How did you get so good at rebounding?
It’s all about body positioning and timing, really. I started to get a knack for it a couple years ago, and a lot of it has to do with timing and where the ball bounces off. I watch a lot of film about it, and it’s become second nature. It’s definitely a challenge, but I take pride in it.
If you could shoot 100% but had to give up your dunk skills, would you do it?
Oh my. I know what my answer should be! But yeah…yeah I’ll give away my dunk skills to shoot 100%
Can you dunk any lob, or just from CP?
I think I can catch any lob! Just throw it up! But they’re a lot nicer when Chris passes them.
You’re my favorite player. Your passion’s amazing.
Thank you. Thank you. A lot of it comes from inside myself, but I just want to show fans how much I appreciate them coming to the games and supporting us.
How can I make my beard as charming as yours?
Definitely don’t eat any tomatoes! That doesn’t help out with the growth and luxuriousness of the beard. Candy helps a lot. A lot of water, too. Keep it hydrated.
First time you dunked?
First time was 8th grade summer. I was going into 9th grade and I was at a rec center, and afterwards people try to dunk, and I got the ball. I didn’t dribble, I tried to palm it and dunked with one hand. All the kids looked at me like I was just weird! They couldn’t believe it went in, I tried all the time that year and it never went in. After that I was sure I was going to the NBA because I was the only kid in my grade who could dunk
Who was your fav player growing up? And team?
Obviously MJ was one of my favorites like everybody in the world, and I’m from Houston so I’m a Rockets fan. I really liked Hakeem Olajuwon, Shaq too
All-time top 5?
Oh my, that’s tough. I’m gonna go Magic Johnson at point, Kobe at the 2, Michael Jordan at the 3, Oscar Robertson at the 4, and Bill Russell at the 5, for sure. A small lineup!