Pelicans sign DeAndre Jordan to bolster frontcourt amid injuries

The New Orleans Pelicans signed veteran center DeAndre Jordan to a one-year, minimum-salary contract Friday as the team deals with multiple injuries in its frontcourt, the club announced. The 37-year-old Jordan, entering his 18th NBA season, was added to New Orleans’ 15-man roster ahead of the Pelicans’ home opener against San Antonio.

The move was prompted by the absence of presumed starter Kevon Looney, who sprained his left knee and is expected to be sidelined for two to three weeks, and by ankle and back issues that have limited other big men. Yves Missi left the season-opening loss in Memphis after twisting his right ankle and is listed day to day. Karlo Matkovic is considered questionable with low back spasms. The Pelicans had opened a roster spot after waiving guard Jaden Springer, and the club opted to bolster size and experience up front.

Jordan spent the past three seasons with the Denver Nuggets as a reserve, helping that team win the NBA title in 2023. Last season he appeared in 56 games, averaging 3.7 points and 5.1 rebounds in 12.3 minutes per game. Over his career he has played in more than 1,100 regular-season games for seven previous teams and is widely regarded...