As controversial of a move the Los Angeles Clippers made by re-signing center DeAndre Jordan after he had committed to the Dallas Mavericks was, it had to be done. With Jordan back in the fold, the Clippers have now become immediate contenders in the Western Conference.

The decision for Jordan to return to Los Angeles was probably the smartest thing he’s ever done, regardless of what it does to his image. There was no way in the world, he would find another system in which he could thrive as much as the one he’s been in with the Clippers.

Jordan needs the Clippers and the Clippers need Jordan. It doesn’t require rocket science. Over the past several years, he’s given this team their defensive identity and without him, they’d be lost.

The Clippers now have the franchise’s best roster configuration in a long long time. They have their two stars in Chris Paul and Blake Griffin. Paul Pierce adds veteran leadership and a championship winning attitude. Lance Stephenson adds more defense and toughness. Role players like J.J. Redick, Branden Dawson and Jamal Crawford (if he isn’t traded) figure to be huge. Now, the Clippers have their man in the middle.

Obviously, it would be extremely overzealous to put Los Angeles over the Golden State Warriors or San Antonio Spurs right now, but they are right on their heels.

Sure, the Clippers have been dubbed ‘contenders’ before, but this time it’s for real. If all the stars align, this  team has a legitimate shot at winning an NBA title.

Brandon Austin is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @BMoreThanGreat, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.