Miami Heat: The encouraging story of Derrick Jones Jr.

 The emergence of Derrick Jones Jr. as a quality role player for the Miami Heat is huge for the franchise as they start building a young core.

In 2017, Derrick Jones Jr. came in second in the Slam Dunk Contest to Glenn Robinson III. Despite playing in the G League for almost all of the 2016-17 season, Jones was selected for the dunk contest. Back then, Jones was known as a great dunker, but not a legitimate NBA player. Although he’s still mostly known for his dunks, Jones has become a quality role player for the playoff-contending Miami Heat.

Jones played one season at UNLV before going undrafted in 2016. In September of that year, he signed a training camp deal with the Phoenix Suns. He then spent time bouncing in and out of the G League before the All-Star break. Afterward, he appeared in every single Suns game, averaging 6.3 points and 3.0 rebounds in 20.9 minutes per game on 55.3 percent shooting. In the middle of the next season, he was waived by Phoenix and signed by Miami on a two-way contract.

During the 2017-18 season, Jones appeared in only 20 NBA games (14 for Miami) at a measly 12.3 minutes a night. Still, he signed a standard two-year contract with Miami this past summer. Due to several Heat players recovering from injuries, Jones was put into the starting lineup to begin this season.

In just his second game, he impressed, dropping 17 points and five rebounds (four offensive) in just 23 minutes against the Washington Wizards. Most of his points were from the paint, as he did a great job attacking the rim. These drives also earned him several trips to the free throw line, where he shot 6-for-9.

While Jones’ offensive game is limited, it’s valuable in an Erik Spoelstra offense. Players are constantly in motion; screening, cutting, moving the ball. A 6’7″ player with a sky-high vertical fits like a glove.

What Jones does best for Miami is provide hustle plays and energy. He averages 1.4 deflections per game and 51.2 percent of loose balls recovered, both of which rank near the top of the league. Jones also provides defensive versatility with his size and athleticism. His length and quickness allow him to stick with just about any perimeter player. His hops allow him to contest shots well, and his dunks send the bench into an uproar.

Jones proving to be worthy of a rotation spot is some tasty cake, but here’s the icing: Jones has plenty of room to improve. At age 22, he’s coming off his first season spent completely in the NBA. He’s shown flashes in other areas of the game too. Turning those flashes into tendencies is the next step.

This season, Jones is shooting a career-high 31.5 percent on 3-pointers. On just catch-and-shoot 3s, he’s shooting 35 percent. His jumper is very fluid and balanced, meaning his coaches should prescribe him with several shooting drills over the offseason to fine-tune his shot. Miami ranks in the bottom half of the league in 3-point percentage, so it’ll need all the shooters it can get.

DJJ also has room to develop as a driver to the hoop. He can jump over anyone he wants to dunk the ball. This offseason, he should work on touch around the rim. Dunks won’t always be available, so working on layups in traffic or off an uncomfortable takeoff will make “Airplane Mode” a much more dangerous cutter.

Rebounding is an area Jones can improve in too. Even with his insane athleticism, he can become much better. He’s got the jumping aspect down pat; what’s next is adding strength. Jones is averaging a respectable 7.8 rebounds per 36 minutes, so he’s got a solid foundation to build from.

Finally, Jones needs to fine-tune his free throw shooting. His 60.4 percent clip from this season is the lowest of his career. This really hurts because Jones is good to have on the court in crunch-time. His versatility on defense and ability to crash the glass are valuable skills in close games, but his free throw shooting holds him back. Becoming a reliable shooter from the charity stripe will greatly aid Miami.

Just being in the NBA this season is cause for optimism, as having a year of experience under his belt gives Jones clues as to what he can do better. Although he spent part of a season with the Suns, the games didn’t amount to much. Also, it was only 25 games. The Heat have been eyeing the playoffs all year, and are currently hanging onto the 8-seed by a thread. Suns games in 2017 were study sessions; Heat games in 2019 are tests.

Derrick Jones Jr.’s career got off to an unpromising start, but this season proves he belongs in the NBA. His energy and athleticism make him a decent role player. He has displayed the ability to impact the game in other ways, but hasn’t been consistent enough to be anything more than a decent role player. Jones is in the driver’s seat now. He’s got the chance to build on a promising year and solidify himself as a member of the Heat going forward.