The Mavericks signed 6-5 Derrick Jones Jr. with their 15th and final available contract slot last week, but he is far from a 15th man.
He also is more than simply a great dunker, although his still-superior athleticism is one of the reasons the Mavericks acquired the 2020 slam-dunk contest winner.
He’s entering his eighth NBA season. In the past five years, he’s averaged 19.3 minutes per game, 6.6 points and 3.4 rebounds. He’s also been a terrific shot-blocker-per-minute-played for a swingman.
Add it up and it’s the kind of athletic player that the Mavericks have always needed.
“We are excited to welcome Derrick to Dallas,” Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison said. “Derrick has always showcased a team-first approach with his ability to adapt his game to complement his teammates. His versatility on both ends of the floor will allow us to utilize his skillset and athleticism in a variety of different lineups.”
It also gives the Mavericks another player who can guard multiple positions, something they are hoping newcomers Grant Williams, Dante Exum and Jones can do as the Mavericks look for replacements for Dorian Finney-Smith.
Doing it by committee is certainly an option.
The Mavericks will be the fifth NBA team for Jones, who had his best run in Miami, where he also earned a fair amount of playoff experience when the Heat reached the NBA Finals in 2020 at the Orlando bubble.
That also was the season he won the dunk contest in a memorable event as he went against Aaron Gordon. Jones won with an array of creative dunks, eventually outlasting Gordon, who dunked over 7-5 Tacko Fall during the contest.
Jones spent the last two seasons with the Chicago Bulls.
With Jones, who will wear No. 55 for the Mavericks, on board, they now have improved depth at the wing positions.
Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving are the starters in the backcourt with Seth Curry behind them. And coach Jason Kidd will have Dwight Powell, Maxi Kleber, Richaun Holmes, JaVale McGee and rookie Dereck Lively II to choose from at the big positions.
That leaves Tim Hardaway Jr., Josh Green, Jaden Hardy, rookie O-Max Prosper, Williams, Exum and Jones to man the swing positions.
Two-way player Mike Miles Jr. and Exhibit 10 signee Jordan Walker also are on the roster.
Twitter: @ESefko
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