Derrick Jones Jr. has appeared in 19 games this season, he is averaging 9.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.6 steals and 0.7 blocks. He recorded 24 points against OKC Thunder, his second-highest points in a game in his career. It was his third-consecutive game with 15-or-more points, the first time in his career he has recorded three consecutive games with 15-or-more points.
“It goes back to just the trust and the chemistry I have with the guys. From when I first got in here, he (Coach Jason Kidd) told me to play my game and be who I am.” Derrick Jones Jr. on how he is fitting so well in Dallas
Jones Jr. has become one of the fan favorites in Dallas due to his subtle confidence, energy and athletic dunks. He has a very laid back personality but his energetic plays fills the American Airlines Center and awakens the fans.
Confidence on Offense
Jones Jr. is a great offensive rebounder and cutter to the basket, you don’t have to run plays for him and he finds himself making plays. Defenses can’t leave him open either as the forward is having a career year beyond the arc with the Mavericks. Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving trust him to make the shot and that is the biggest key to Jones Jr. taking them. He is not only making the threes per game this season, he is attempting the most per game.
Jones Jr. converted six 3-pointers against Thunder, a career-high. It marked the first time he recorded back-to-back games with at least four 3-pointers in his career. He has scored 20+ points in three games this season, 10+ points in eight games.
Derrick Jones Jr. this season (19 games):
34-82 from 3PT, 41.5% 3PT
Derrick Jones Jr. last season (64 games):
27-80 from 3PT, 33.8%
Defense
Jones Jr. has led the team six games in blocks, three games in steals, one game in rebounds and one game in points this season. He thrives on the defensive end with his athleticism, he has had one game with three blocks and one game with three steals. On most nights, Jones Jr. has the responsibility of defending the opposing team’s best player.
As the Mavericks are in the bottom third of the league on defense, Jones Jr. versatility on defense helped push him into the starting lineup. He is able to play any front court position due to his gifted athleticism, despite his size. He rivals Dante Exum for the best point-of-attack defender on the team and has the ability to defend guards due to his quick feet. An underrated part of his game that doesn’t get recognized is the ability to contest shots and use his length to take away passing lanes.
His three steals against the Clippers in the first quarter marked a new career-high steals in the first quarter, tied for the second-most steals in a single quarter in his career.
Opportunity
Jones Jr. is the Dallas Mavericks 14th highest paid player and was signed on August 18th, 49 days after free agency started.
He has started 18 of 19 games while averaging a career high in minutes, points, 3PT%. Jones Jr. has seven 15+ point games this season, he has played in 19 games thus far. He had four 15+ point games the previous three seasons.
“It’s our chemistry and trust that we have out there on the floor with each other, five guys on the floor and everybody else. When their number gets called, we just have trust in everybody whenever they step on the floor and trust that they are going to do it to the best of their ability.” Derrick Jones Jr. on what the team has going for them.
Jones Jr. is playing in his seventh season in the NBA and yet he is only 26 years old. He spent one year at UNLV and declared for the draft. His name wasn’t called and went undrafted to start his NBA journey. He has played for five teams in his career, starting about a third of games played. The Mavs struck gold with the value signing and Jones Jr. found a team with an opportunity to be the best version of himself. He is a very good role player who does his job and took advantage of his opportunity.