Denver Nuggets

BOSTON – When DeAndre Jordan needed a pick-me-up, he knew his best friend would answer the call.

Late in the third quarter of the Nuggets’ thrilling comeback win at the Pacers on Wednesday night, in the midst of Jordan’s 11th consecutive minute on the floor as a result of Nikola Jokic’s foul trouble, the 15-year veteran threw a sloppy pass to Bones Hyland that Indiana intercepted and flipped in the other direction.

Emblematic of Denver’s fight that night, 35-year-old Jeff Green made up three steps on the play and soared to deny Pacers rookie Bennedict Mathurin’s dunk attempt.

The seasoned frontcourt held down the fort during the pivotal third quarter, stabilizing a unit that was shell-shocked from the whistles against Jokic.

The chemistry and camaraderie were a microcosm of what Green envisioned when he “sold” his best friend on joining the Nuggets this summer in free agency.

“I said, ‘Just come be with your bestie,’ and it worked,” Green told The Denver Post.

There was no elaborate pitch, only a FaceTime to explain the no-nonsense, egoless culture in Denver.

“At this point of our careers, it’s all about winning,” Green said.

Now on their third team together (Clippers, Nets), Green said their friendship would’ve endured regardless of whether Jordan joined the Nuggets or not. Not only do their families vacation together in the summer, but they’re the type of buddy-cop veterans that could easily warrant a comedy spin-off.

“(Our friendship) started when I was in Boston, and I would just try to dunk on him,” Green deadpanned. “I think that’s how it really became mutual respect for one another.”

Last week, Jordan interrupted one of Green’s press conferences when he bopped his buddy on the nose. Sitting next to each other in the locker room after Denver’s 18-point comeback win in Indiana, Green returned the favor when he slapped Jordan for some ceaseless bit between the two.

“Two guys who really just enjoy life, that like to have a good time, we have a mutual respect for one another as far as the whole journey of what it takes to be an NBA player,” Green said.

Asked something that most people don’t know about Jordan and a devilish smile crawled across Green’s face.

“He’s a softie,” Green said. “He’s a gentle giant, very soft. Tries to have a hard exterior, but he’s very soft.”

Nuggets coach Michael Malone said he appreciates how they police one another, while simultaneously shepherding the growth of Denver’s younger players. Green provides versatility. Jordan provides size. And together, they provide structure to a second unit that’s been in flux through the first 11 games.

“They’re veterans,” Malone said. “They get on the younger guys, they hold guys accountable.”

Much of their work has been focused on Hyland, whose electric play can sometimes spark the second unit but can, on occasion, short-circuit it as well. Since the summer, Jordan said he and Green talked with Hyland about distributing the ball to keep the unit flowing. Jordan’s case to Hyland was simple: get other guys involved to decrease the attention you’re drawing.

“And then when that happens, he’s able to be Bones,” said Jordan, who’s taken to the ebullient second-year pro.

That’s not to say there haven’t been growing pains as Hyland comes into his own.

“Every game he’s maturing, I feel like,” Jordan said. “He’s obviously still young. So, sometimes, he can do stuff where you’re like, ‘What?’ But I like the fact that he’s doing that because he’s not afraid to make mistakes.”

Jordan’s play — six points and 5.7 rebounds in 13.4 minutes per game — has eclipsed Zeke Nnaji, at least to start the season. Nnaji’s ankle sprain limited his recent availability, but Jordan’s made a dent when called upon. His screens often free up Hyland’s drives, and his presence around the rim, either on put-back opportunities or in sealing defensive possessions, has been significant.

“DJ’s rebounding has been phenomenal,” Malone said.

Added Jordan: “Zeke and I are both professionals, man. At the end of the day, we’re going to need every person on this team at some point throughout the season, especially once the playoffs start. … For me, I’m starting to catch a groove.”

On the first game of the road trip in San Antonio, Jordan found himself watching legendary Spurs coach Gregg Popovich and trying to pick up their offensive calls. Once he’d deciphered what was coming, he relayed the information to his defense. It was a trick, Jordan said, he’d learned as a rookie with the Clippers. Marcus Camby used to quiz Jordan on the opposing team’s play calls, and once Jordan’s playing time ticked up, he started listening.

Having left the chaos in Brooklyn, Jordan’s found himself in a stable environment where he’s valued and is being utilized.

“I think he’s happy with the situation he’s in,” Green said.