“Nothing was given to me. I was ready to come into this environment knowing that I just had to work hard and be the best Derrick I could be. That’s what I do “. And if Derrick Jones Jr. had finally made the right choice?
Winner of the dunk contest in 2020, the hyper-athletic winger decided to give up on a $3.36 million extension in Chicago this summer to test the market, and ultimately only signed a one-year contract for a lower amount (2.7 million), in Dallas.
Derrick Jones Jr. has decided to bet on himself and his start to the season with the Mavericks confirms his choice for the moment. Starting his first 14 matches played, he is above his career average in almost all sectors. The former Bull recently confirmed his good integration with another full match during the Texans’ last victory against Washington with 20 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks in 26 minutes.
A significant role to play
Since the resumption, the tap dunk specialist has shone with what he does best, with physical impact on both sides of the court, and his finishing side, in open 3-point positions in particular. He is currently averaging an honorable 36% behind the arc, his best career percentage.
“If you want to keep labeling me a dunker and leave me open, then leave me open!” » , he said. “I’m going to keep taking the shots that I’m taking and I promise you they’re going to fall in.” »
In the vein of an Andrew Wiggins at the Warriors or a Dorian Finney-Smith during his time in Dallas, Derrick Jones Jr. must more than ever be opportunistic, constant in his athletic contribution, and try to make the most of spaces created by the Irving-Doncic tandem. Until then, Jason Kidd has reason to be satisfied with his rookie’s performance and speed of adaptation.
The year of the explosion?
“He’s a professional and he plays basketball the right way. He cares about the team first and understands that it’s his defense that counts. But he plays on both ends of the field. He gets a lot of good 3-point shots, he can create on two-man shots and he brings us athletic qualities that we don’t have. So he fills a lot of roles for us, and he’s been great so far,” confided the Texan coach.
For Derrick Jones Jr, it is also a golden opportunity to relaunch his career after mixed episodes following his departure from Miami in 2020, to Portland then to Chicago, with a significant role within a larger team.
“I worked a lot behind the scenes. I feel like so far in my career I haven’t gotten the recognition I think I deserve. And I have the feeling that this year will be the good one”he concluded.
