Derrick Jones Jr.: A Full-Circle Journey to the Dallas Mavericks

From Phoenix to Phoenix, a Small Forward's Redemption

Born February 15, 1997, in Phoenix, Arizona, Derrick Jones Jr. is an American professional basketball player for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Jones' journey to the NBA has been one of resilience and determination. After a standout high school career at Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose, California, Jones committed to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. However, he was forced to redshirt his freshman season due to academic ineligibility.

Despite this setback, Jones persevered and went on to become a key contributor for the Runnin' Rebels. In his sophomore season, he averaged 11.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, helping lead UNLV to the NCAA Tournament. Following his junior season, Jones declared for the 2016 NBA draft, where he was selected with the 30th overall pick by the Phoenix Suns.

Jones spent the first four years of his NBA career with the Suns, but his playing time was limited. He was traded to the Miami Heat in 2020, where he played a more significant role. In the 2020-21 season, Jones averaged 8.8 points and 3.6 rebounds per game, helping the Heat reach the NBA Finals.

In 2022, Jones signed a two-year deal with the Dallas Mavericks. He has quickly become a fan favorite in Dallas, known for his athleticism, hustle, and defense. In the 2022-23 season, Jones is averaging 9.4 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, helping the Mavericks compete for a playoff spot.

Jones' journey to the Dallas Mavericks has been a full circle. After starting his career in Phoenix, he is now back in the desert, playing for the team that drafted him. He has overcome adversity and become a valuable contributor to the Mavericks, proving that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.