Before every NBA Draft, speculation runs rampant about the potential careers of incoming rookies. Sometimes those predictions hit the mark, and other times they don’t—such was the case when Larry Bird, then the Indiana Pacers’ team president, doubted the future of DeAndre Jordan.
Leading up to the 2008 NBA Draft, Jordan worked out with the Pacers, but Bird wasn’t impressed. In a 2016 interview with NBA journalist David Aldridge, the Celtics icon recalled being critical of Jordan’s abilities.
“I couldn’t believe the kid was even thinking about coming out,” Bird said. “He was tall, he could run, and he could jump. But basketball [skills]? Had none. I really felt sorry for the kid. I thought there’s no way in hell this kid will ever make it in this league”.
Fast forward to 2023, DeAndre Jordan has carved out a successful 17-year career, capped off with a championship with the Denver Nuggets. However, the veteran center admitted that Bird’s scathing comments still resonate with him.
DeAndre Jordan #6 of the Denver Nuggets plays the Los Angeles Clippers in the first quarter at Ball Arena. (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
“‘No way in hell’ is such a strong statement,” Jordan said on FanDuel TV’s Run It Back. “Out of 450 players, there’s no way in hell this guy will be successful. That’s great to hear from one of the NBA legends. I don’t know; maybe because they didn’t draft me, he wanted to, but that’s a different story. Anyway, I like that he backtracked, but I’m not rolling with it”.
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Jordan took the opportunity to reflect on his development since being selected 35th overall in the 2008 Draft. “Maybe people see somebody play in college or in a workout and think they know everything about that person,” he added. “For me, going 35th was a blessing. It gave me time to develop without too much pressure to succeed right away. I think I turned out okay”.
Bird admits he was wrong about Jordan
Time has proven Larry Bird’s initial assessment of Jordan wrong. Over his career, Jordan has earned an All-Star selection, an All-NBA First Team spot, two All-NBA Third Team honors, two NBA All-Defensive First Team selections, and led the league in rebounds twice.
Reflecting on his earlier criticism, Bird acknowledged how much Jordan had surpassed his expectations. “I don’t know who got with him [Jordan], or what he did, but to watch him play and perform on a nightly basis the way he does is just breathtaking to me,” Bird said. “I am truly amazed at how this young man has developed his game from where he was to the point he’s at today. I’ve never seen that before”.
