Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison has said it’s a “priority” to re-sign Derrick Jones Jr. this offseason.
While Derrick Jones Jr. has consistently capitalized on his minutes by making crucial shots and delivering steady defense, there’s a specific facet of his game that the Mavericks cannot afford to lose: his elite on-ball defense.
One statistic underscores why Jones Jr.’s role is indispensable. This season, he has routinely taken on the toughest defensive assignments, often guarding the opposing team’s best player. His defensive prowess is evident, even surpassing Oklahoma City Thunder’s renowned lockdown defender, Lu Dort, in certain defensive metrics. Dallas Mavericks fans are well aware of the nuisance Dort can be, yet Jones Jr. managed to edge him out in this critical area.
During the playoffs, Jones Jr. was tasked with guarding some of the league’s most formidable scorers, including Paul George, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Anthony Edwards, and Jaylen Brown. This grueling stretch is a testament to his defensive capabilities. Moreover, throughout the regular season, he consistently took on the challenge of defending the opposition’s top players across 76 games.
Although Jones Jr. may not dazzle with prolific scoring every night, his contributions on the defensive end were pivotal all season long. The Mavericks’ success this year can be largely attributed to his relentless on-ball defense, a role that has been crucial in their playoff run.
Despite his hard work, Jones Jr. was ineligible for an NBA All-Defensive Team spot due to not meeting the requirement of playing at least 20 minutes in 62 or more games. Nevertheless, his impact was undeniable. He has expressed his desire to stay in Dallas, and now it’s up to the Mavericks’ management to reward his proven numbers and defensive efforts.
The Mavericks struck gold last offseason by acquiring Jones Jr. on a veteran minimum contract. He has far exceeded those expectations, providing the much-needed defensive boost following the 2022-23 season. Now, with his value firmly established, it’s imperative for the Mavericks to retain this defensive stalwart who has become an integral part of their success.
These defenders spent the most time matched up on scoring ball handlers this year. pic.twitter.com/di6VNKIBEg
— Todd Whitehead (@CrumpledJumper) June 23, 2024
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