The lights have dimmed on the New Orleans Pelicans’ 2025–26 campaign, a season that will be remembered more for its resilience than its record.
It was a turbulent year defined by a shifting landscape in the Big Easy, headlined by a significant mid-season coaching change when Willie Green was dismissed following a 2–10 start. Interim head coach James Borrego stepped into the fire, guiding a roster that was frequently ravaged by injuries but remained spiritually anchored by its veteran presence. For 17-year veteran DeAndre Jordan, the offseason is a misnomer.
It is a transition from the hardwood to the laboratory where the focus shifts from winning games to building the men who will win them in the future.
Despite the team finishing 26–56 and missing the postseason, a clear path forward emerged in the form of lottery picks Jeremiah Fears and most notably, center Derik Queen.
The bond between Jordan and the 21-year-old Queen has become one of the most compelling subplots in the franchise. Jordan’s journey from the high-flying “Lob City” era in Los Angeles to reaching the mountaintop as an NBA Champion with the Denver Nuggets has transformed him into the ultimate mentor. He doesn’t just see Queen as a rookie; he sees a protege capable of carrying the torch. As the Pelicans enter a pivotal summer searching for a permanent head coaching voice, Jordan is ensuring the team’s young foundation is chemically sound.
I caught up with “DJ” as he’s prepping for a long summer in Los Angeles that includes rigorous training and he isn’t going alone.
The Choice: Culture Over Contending
The veteran center spent the majority of his career in the spotlight of major markets and championship expectations, making his move to the Gulf Coast a point of intrigue for many league observers. While the outside noise suggested he should have ring-chased with a more established powerhouse, Jordan viewed the situation through a different lens, prioritizing the chance to build something sustainable alongside a core of young, hungry talent. For him, the decision was less about the immediate win-loss column and more about the intrinsic value of the environment and the specific personnel he wanted to share the floor with. We dug into that decision-making process and why he turned down other suitors to call New Orleans home.
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: Many people suggested you should have signed with a traditional contender. Why was New Orleans the right move for you, especially given the coaching transitions and the ups and downs of this year?
DeAndre Jordan: Honestly, I wanted the opportunity to play with guys like Herb Jones. I told him five years ago he was one of my favorites to watch. Between him, Zion [Williamson], a great rookie like Jeremiah Fears, and Micah Peavy, there is a lot of talent here. Plus, I’ve competed against Kevon Looney for a long time. Every time I played against New Orleans, it was a tough game and the crowd was super loyal. They’ve had some bad luck with injuries, but they wanted me here, so I’m here.
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: Were there other teams that reached out to sign you this offseason?
DeAndre Jordan: [Laughs] I’d rather not say… I signed with New Orleans. My focus was on being where I was needed.
The Tank in Year 17
Survival in the NBA for nearly two decades requires more than just physical giftedness; it demands a psychological resilience that most players lose long before their eighteenth season. Jordan has transitioned from the high-flying force of nature that defined an era of basketball into a strategic anchor who understands the nuances of longevity.
As he reflects on his journey and his current role, it is clear that his drive is no longer about proving he is the best athlete on the floor, but rather demonstrating that he still possesses the competitive fire and utility to impact winning basketball. He opened up about what fuels that persistent engine.
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: This is your 17th season in the NBA. What keeps you motivated to keep playing at this stage?
DeAndre Jordan: I’m still competitive. I love the game, the camaraderie and the fact that I can still contribute on the floor. I think I proved that this season. While this time is about developing the young guys for next year, I still feel like I have a little bit more left in the tank.
The Nuggets Bond and Championship DNA
The pinnacle of Jordan’s professional career came in Denver where he helped secure a historic title and solidified his legacy as a winner. In a league where rosters are constantly churning and loyalty can be fleeting, the brotherhood forged during that championship run remains an immovable part of his life.
That experience gave him a unique perspective on what “Championship DNA” actually looks like and it is a standard he now tries to instill in every locker room he enters. He spoke candidly about why those specific relationships transcend the four quarters of a basketball game and how they continue to influence him today.
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: Looking back at your time with the Nuggets, do you still keep in touch with your teammates from that championship run?
DeAndre Jordan: I talk to those guys damn near every day. That bond will never be broken. We won the first championship in Nuggets history together, so those are my guys forever. Even if we hadn’t won, we did a lot of special things together and those are my friends so we chop it up all the time. When we “chop it up,” we don’t even talk about basketball; we talk about family and life. I’m fortunate to have those friendships.
Summer School with Derik Queen
The dynamic between a seasoned veteran and a rising star often dictates the future trajectory of a franchise and in New Orleans that connection is centered around the mentorship of Derik Queen. Jordan has taken a special interest in the rookie’s development, recognizing a rare combination of size and skill that mirrors the modern evolution of the NBA big man.
As the season transitioned into the summer, the two are prepared to take their chemistry from the bayou to the West Coast, establishing a rigorous routine designed to polish Queen’s natural playmaking abilities. Jordan detailed the specific traits that make Queen a unique prospect and why their upcoming time in Los Angeles is vital for the young center’s sophomore leap.
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: Derik Queen has shown a lot of versatility, particularly closing the season strong on the glass. Where have you seen the most growth in his game?
DeAndre Jordan: He’s grown a ton. He’s done some great things and the sky is really the limit for him. This upcoming offseason is going to be huge for him.
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: You two are planning to work together in Los Angeles this summer. What specific skills are you going to focus on?
DeAndre Jordan: [Smiles] I’d rather keep that a secret. We’re going to work, we’re going to hang out and he’s going to enjoy his summer but he’s definitely going to work.
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: Does Derik’s style of play remind you of anyone else in the league?
DeAndre Jordan: He’s a true playmaker. He can really handle the ball. He has a real relationship with the ball, which is rare for someone his size. He can handle it, he has great touch and he can score on all three levels. He does things that are usually guard oriented and he can shoot the ball and he can playmaker. Now, we just have to figure out how to enhance that and help him grow on both ends of the floor.
The Future: Sidelines or Sand?
As a player approaches the twilight of their career, the conversation naturally shifts toward what happens when the jersey is finally hung up for good. Jordan has already proven to be a natural teacher, acting as an extension of the coaching staff and a stabilizing force during one of the most unpredictable seasons in Pelicans history.
While his focus remains on the “now” and the remaining fuel in his tank, the transition from the court to the sidelines seems like a logical progression for a man with his level of basketball IQ and championship pedigree. We closed our conversation by looking at the long-term horizon and whether the “coach” title is one he is actually ready to embrace.
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: You clearly enjoy mentoring young players. Is coaching something you see in your future?
DeAndre Jordan: If I have to deal with Derik Queen every fucking day? No! [Laughs]. Seriously though, I’ve thought about it. It could be in the cards. I don’t have any gray hairs just yet and I’d like to keep it that way for a while!
DeAndre Jordan is at peace. He has the ring, he has the respect and he still has the drive to provide a spark when his number is called. But as the Pelicans head into a summer of scouting and searching for a new strategic leader, Jordan’s value isn’t just in the rebounds he grabs but in the wisdom he imparts. Whether he’s back in a Pelicans jersey next fall or elsewhere, the blueprint he’s leaving behind for players like Derik Queen is a championship one. For now, it’s back to Los Angeles, back to the gym and back to the grind.
