DeAndre Jordan has taken on a vital mentorship role with the New Orleans Pelicans during the 2025-26 NBA season, guiding promising young players like Derik Queen and Zion Williamson. In his 18th NBA season, Jordan uses his veteran experience to help shape the team’s future, providing guidance both on and off the court, as the Pelicans struggle through a difficult season with one of the worst records in the Western Conference. His leadership is centered around building the confidence, skills, and communication of younger talents while contributing whenever he steps on the floor.
The Pelicans entered the season with a 19-43 record and face significant challenges, including injuries and inexperience. Despite these struggles, interim head coach James Borrego commended Jordan’s impact on the locker room, praising him for setting high standards, showing up early, and fostering team unity. Jordan’s role extends beyond just performance—he strives to be a stabilizing presence as the team develops.
Jordan’s Influence on Younger Players’ Growth and Development
Jordan has been particularly influential in motivating Zion Williamson and Derik Queen, two pivotal young players on the Pelicans roster. Williamson, a natural talent plagued by injuries earlier in the season, has demonstrated resilience that Jordan admires. Jordan acknowledged Zion’s relentless work ethic through rehabilitation and noted that when Zion is healthy, the Pelicans perform far better.
Jordan explained,
“I’ve seen him work his ass off. A lot of things that are sometimes said about him with his injuries are not his fault. Guys can work their ass off, and still kind of get unlucky. But earlier this year, when he had injuries, we all saw how hard he worked to get back and how engaged he was with trying to get back and going through the entire process.”
– DeAndre Jordan
Jordan also highlighted his role in encouraging Zion to improve his rebounding. He noted that Zion accepts constructive criticism well, responding to challenges by stepping up his game.
“Zion is one of the most gifted and athletic guys in this league. He likes to be challenged. From a superstar, that’s very rare. He leans into it. So when we see games where he has three rebounds, we challenge him. He responds, and then gets 12 rebounds.”
– DeAndre Jordan
Jordan praised Derik Queen’s maturity as a young starter at center, one of the toughest positions given the elite competition in the Western Conference. He acknowledged the demands and responsibility faced by Queen, who competes against top players like Nikola Jokić and Rudy Gobert. Jordan described Queen’s progress as impressive, noting,
“You’re asking for a 20-year-old who just turned 21 last month to start at the center position in the Western Conference in the NBA. That is a very tough position.”
– DeAndre Jordan
Building Leadership and Communication Within the Team
Aside from individual skill development, Jordan emphasizes fostering communication and accountability on defense, crucial elements for team cohesion. He recalled that earlier in his career, he was not always vocal but has grown into a strong communicator, especially taking the role of a leader on and off the floor.
James Borrego praised Jordan’s ability to communicate from the center position, describing him as “a massive and tremendous communicator” and highlighting how important talk and coordination are on defense, especially for big men. Jordan remarked on the team’s internal culture of communication, including playful trash talk in the group chat and the weight room as a method to build comfort and confidence in verbal exchanges during games.
Jordan elaborated,
“We talk trash a little off the floor in our group chat and in the weight room. That should translate on the floor. Whichever team talks the most, those results matter. We’re starting to build on that a lot more… I think, for the most part, that guys are doing a really good job with being uncomfortable and trusting their voices on the floor.”
– DeAndre Jordan
He also described the importance of nurturing professionalism and confidence in younger players, citing an instance where he encouraged Derik Queen to celebrate his strong performance publicly to build pride and maturity.
“Especially for a younger player like that, I want to build his confidence. ‘You had a really good game, so stand up on that. You played his ass off that night. And I know you’re going to be here for a long time.’”
– DeAndre Jordan
Supporting Teammates Through Challenges and Conflicts
Jordan reaffirmed his protective role over teammates like Derik Queen, Zion Williamson, and others by describing the deep bonds formed during the season. He highlighted the familial atmosphere within the team, emphasizing loyalty and unity through both highs and lows.
When asked about an incident involving Derik Queen and Andre Drummond, Jordan stated firmly,
“Yeah, yeah, yeah, I gotta protect my guys, whether it be DQ, Trae, or Zion. We’re brothers. I hang out with these guys more than I hang out with my family throughout the season. So I got to have their back.”
– DeAndre Jordan
Reflecting on His Career, Role, and Future Aspirations
At 37 years old and entering his 18th season in the NBA, Jordan has adjusted to a more mentorship-driven role while maintaining readiness to contribute on the court. He shared that staying professionally prepared is key, revealing how participation in a competitive internal league after shootaround keeps players like him and others sharp for moments they are called into action during games.
He recounted the thrill of a recent dunk against Philadelphia, joking about his remaining energy:
“I’ve had quite a few dunks in my career. I probably got about 307 jumps left. So we’ll see how I can space those out.”
– DeAndre Jordan
Jordan also discussed his evolving perspective on patience and communication gained from interacting with a diverse group of teammates at varying career stages. This dynamic has refined his leadership and mentoring approach, which he views as a learning process.
When questioned about his future plans beyond playing, Jordan expressed uncertainty but openness to possibilities, including coaching or broadcasting. He acknowledged suggestions about coaching but remains focused on his playing career for now, taking it one season at a time.
“I don’t know yet. We’ll see. People tell me I should do it. But I’m not listening right now. I’m still being a player right now. So we’ll see what happens. It’s been fun. I’m lucky, dude. We get to play in the NBA. It’s my 18 year. I’m super lucky.”
– DeAndre Jordan
Remembering Chris Paul and Blake Griffin’s Impact
Jordan reflected on his close friendship and playing history with Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, recalling their era together on the Los Angeles Clippers, famously known as “Lob City.” Though the trio never secured an NBA championship due to injuries, their impact on the franchise and excitement they brought remains significant.
Jordan discussed Paul’s recent retirement following his trade to Toronto and subsequent waiver by the Raptors, which marked the end of an illustrious career. He revealed it took him a while to accept Paul’s retirement, underscoring their bond.
“It took me a while to really accept that he retired. He was such an impactful person on my career and the trajectory of my career. So nobody can tell me anything bad about CP. That’s one of my brothers.”
– DeAndre Jordan
He also described an intimate FaceTime conversation with both Chris Paul and Blake Griffin after Paul departed the Clippers. Jordan shared,
“It was him venting to us about the situation. We were sharing stories about our time together. We were hoping that he would end up on a team later on after the trade deadline, and he could potentially have a chance to play and/or compete for a championship. We all spent so much time together. Our bond is going to be unbreakable. I really do cherish my time with those guys. It was great to finally connect with them and chop it up.”
– DeAndre Jordan
Regarding Blake Griffin’s transition into his role as an NBA analyst, Jordan praised his former teammate’s charisma and intelligence, relating a warm experience working together on an analyst segment before the All-Star break.
“I’m happy for my dude. He’s killing it… He’s extremely funny. He’s super smart. And he studies the game. They have a really good time together. I had a really great time with those guys.”
– DeAndre Jordan
Significance of Jordan’s Mentoring in Shaping the Pelicans’ Future
DeAndre Jordan’s presence on the New Orleans Pelicans offers more than just veteran minutes; he serves as a foundational mentor helping shape the identity of a young team aiming to rebuild. His guidance to Zion Williamson and Derik Queen, as well as his influence over the team’s communication and professionalism, is vital in a challenging season filled with adversity.
Jordan’s commitment exemplifies how a seasoned player can impact not only the immediate performance but also the long-term development of a franchise’s younger core. With his career winding down, how he translates these leadership skills—potentially into coaching or broadcasting—will be watched closely by fans and analysts alike.
As the Pelicans strive to improve, Jordan’s mentorship may prove key to transitioning their roster from a struggling team into a competitive force in the Western Conference. His example of patience, communication, and relentless professionalism underlines the importance of veteran voices in helping young athletes reach their potential.
