Chauncey Billups has served as a mentor to DeAndre Jordan this season.

Billups played with Ben Wallace for many seasons and he believes Jordan could have a similar impact.

Jordan will play a big role in the Clippers' first round series against the Grizzlies.

"For us to have an excellent opportunity in this series, DJ is going to have to play very well, just like everybody," Vinny Del Negro said.

"I have to be our defensive anchor," Jordan said. "Just kind of be everybody's safety net. Me back there gives everybody a lot of more confidence to gamble [on defense]. And then I have to rebound, be one of the leaders, especially on the defensive end."

Billups talks to Jordan at practice, video sessions, shoot-arounds and during the game.

"He's been very receptive," Billups said. "He wants to be looked at like one of the best defenders in the league.

"But it's a process and sometimes I've got to slow myself down and remember that he is young and he doesn't have a lot of experience. I'm talking about a finished product in Ben Wallace and not the first stages. I think that DJ can certainly get there. He has a little ways to go, but he's locked into trying to get there and that's the most important thing."