DeAndre Jordan made his name in the NBA with jaw-dropping dunks, elite rebounding, and a commanding presence in the paint. Raised in Houston, Texas, he sharpened his game through high school and a season at Texas A&M before going pro. But with that kind of discipline and athleticism, don’t you wonder who his parents are and what role they played in shaping him?
Before that, let’s dig a bit more. Standing 6’11” with a span that seems to stretch across the court, his presence was always loud, both literally and metaphorically. Over the years, he brought his veteran presence to teams like the Mavericks, Nets, Lakers, and Nuggets, chasing rings and mentoring younger players. But it was never easy for DJ. Reason? Four boys shared a room with only two beds in their grandparents’ house. That’s how DeAndre Jordan spent his childhood. From then, fast forward to 2018, Forbes listed DeAndre Jordan amongst the world’s highest-paid athletes. So let’s know about those who made it happen!
Who are DeAndre Jordan’s parents? Did they play basketball?
Hyland and Kimberly Jordan, the parents of NBA veteran DeAndre Jordan, share a deep-rooted connection to the game of basketball. Both played collegiately at Huston-Tillotson University, a historically Black university in Austin, Texas, where their athleticism and height were the talk. Hyland at 6’4″ and Kimberly at 6’2″ set the stage for a family destined for the court. Kimberly, in particular, was known for her shot-blocking skills, a talent that would echo through her eldest son’s defensive dominance in the NBA. Though their relationship eventually ended in separation, their shared love for basketball lived on through their children, especially DeAndre, who would become one of the NBA’s most physically imposing centers.
After the separation, Kimberly raised their four sons—DeAndre, Brett, Cory, and Avery—largely on her own in Houston’s Third Ward. She moved the family into her parents’ home and worked as a receptionist to provide for them, instilling resilience and discipline in her boys. She worked as a receptionist at a medical clinic and then at a dentist’s office. She quit her job to counsel him in his Junior years. “I may go broke,” she once said, “but I will not let anyone take my child.”
Her unwavering support helped fuel DeAndre’s rise from a lanky, energetic kid to a professional basketball player known for his rebounding and shot-blocking traits that mirrored her own game. Not just him, the siblings too got the mummy care! DeAndre, who would eventually grow into a 6’11” NBA All-Star, was far from a prodigy in his early years. “People tell me they knew DeAndre would be great,” Kimberly said. “I tell them, ‘No you didn’t.’ He was horrible!” She could only afford for one of her kids to play sanctioned sports. And DeAndre didn’t seem to be her obvious choice amongst her four children.
Who Are DeAndre Jordan’s Siblings?
In the Jordan family, athleticism wasn’t just DeAndre’s gift, it was the shared rhythm of four brothers united by talent and tenacity. While DeAndre eventually rose to NBA stardom, his younger brothers—Brett, Cory, and Avery—were all standout athletes in their own right. Their childhood in Houston’s Third Ward was filled with intense pickup games, competitive energy, and the kind of sibling rivalry that sharpened both their skills and their bond. Packed into a single bedroom in their grandparents’ house, the Jordan boys grew up pushing each other to be better, stronger, faster, and more focused—with sports as their shared battleground and brotherhood as their foundation.
Brett, the second oldest, pursued basketball at Texas Christian University from 2005 to 2007 before taking his game overseas in a brief pro career. Cory found his calling on the baseball field and showed promise early on as a pitcher in the Tampa Bay Rays’ organization. Avery, the youngest, took a different path to the gridiron, playing defensive line for the University of New Mexico Lobos during the 2018–2019 seasons. Together, the Jordan brothers represent a rare trifecta of athletic excellence across three major sports, bound by shared blood, fierce competition, and a deep-rooted love for the game, whatever the game happened to be.
Mar 15, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets center DeAndre Jordan (6) reacts after being called for a foul during the third quarter against the New York Knicks at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Growing up, the Jordan brothers often engaged in competitive backyard 2-on-2 games. Their strong sibling bond and shared love for sports played a pivotal role in shaping DeAndre’s competitive spirit, as detailed in a Sports Illustrated Vault feature from March 17, 2014. “If you lost, you had to wait a long time to play again,” Brett once said. “So you made sure you didn’t lose.” However, DeAndre Jordan showed exceptional growth in his college days. Years later, he called his mother with a special surprise. ” ‘I made the All-Star team.’ She said, ‘Oh, my God. For real? Don’t play with me, boy.’ I said, ‘For real.’ She said, ‘DeAndre, stop playing.’ I said, ‘This is what I was told,” DeAndre said to the Andscape after his All-Star Selection.
What are DeAndre’s most notable achievements?
DeAndre Jordan played one season at Texas A&M, showcasing raw talent with high-flying dunks and dominant defense that earned him Big 12 All-Rookie honors. Despite slipping to the 35th pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, he quickly proved himself as a rim-protecting force with the Clippers. After playing with multiple teams, he eventually joined the Denver Nuggets in 2022. His presence contributed to the team securing their first-ever NBA championship in 2023, marking a highlight in his veteran career. His effort and talent in the court earned him multiple awards. He became a 2x NBA Rebounding Champion, a 2x NBA All-Defensive Team honoree, and a 3x All-NBA Team member. Moreover, he received the NBA Cares Community Assist Award for December 2019.
Beyond the court, DJ’s life inspired him to use his fame for the greater good. He founded the Tree House Giving Foundation. “I love using my platform to create unforgettable holiday memories for children. I look forward to hosting ‘6 Days of Giving’ every year in communities that have impacted me throughout my lifetime. My hope is that the DeAndre Jordan Treehouse Giving foundation continues to inspire and empower families through meaningful experiences.” said DJ once.
Jan 15, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) reacts ahead of Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) and center DeAndre Jordan (6) in the third quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
The organization aims to support, educate, and mentor single-parent families by providing resources that make them whole. The core values of this foundation are built around DJ’s and his brother’s loving bond with their mother, Kim. DeAndre’s life is a testament to the power of will and the strength of a mother. From street courts to sold-out arenas, DJ has quite a story to tell. He continues to inspire both on and off the court with his big stature and even bigger heart.
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