Clippers interim coach Kim Hughes believes that DeAndre Jordan has the potential to be a force in the NBA.

Jordan's playing time spiked after Marcus Camby was traded to Portland, but it's fallen since Drew Gooden was acquired from Washington.

"I'm trying to win games, but I think the only way for DeAndre to get better is to play him," Hughes said. "It may hurt us theoretically a little bit for games, but I think the end result is it makes us better."

Hughes added that Jordan has a chance to become a dominant defender because of his lateral speed, quickness and strength.

"I don't even look at his offense," Hughes said. "I've told him before, 'You could be a Bill Russell type and make a career in this league making tons of money, but you have to focus on' " defense.