Going into free agency, the LA Clippers were surrounded by uncertainty. With franchise centerpiece Paul George declining his player option, LA must prepare for his departure. Turns out they are off to a great start with the signing of former Dallas Maverick Derrick Jones Jr.
Jones Jr. is a unique talent the Clippers could use deep into the regular season. He is one of the best defensive wings in the NBA who doesn’t back down from competition. Head coach Tyronn Lue was an eyewitness in the playoffs when Jones Jr. forced George to attempt low-quality shots.
The coaching staff can utilize Jones Jr. to each of his strengths offensively, opening up a world of possibilities. Superstar playmaker James Harden will feed the eight-year veteran alley-oops that only he can catch. Jones Jr. will also attempt countless open shots, which he has proven to knock down at an above-average percentage, adding a new dimension to the Clippers’ offense.
Derrick Jones Jr. will fit seamlessly in the LA Clippers two-way scheme.
Derrick Jones Jr. will likely enter the LA Clippers’ rotation as the starting forward. This is the right decision from the coaching staff, as Jones Jr. has no flaws in his game on both sides of the ball.
Through 76 games for Dallas, the UNLV product averaged 8.6 points and 3.3 rebounds in 23.5 minutes per contest. He posted an efficient 48.3% from the floor and 34.3% from three. In the postseason, Jones Jr. did not take his foot off the gas as his averages increased in nearly every category. He played a crucial role in the Mavericks’ run to the NBA Finals.
The most effective way the coaching staff will involve Jones Jr. is off-ball movement. He thrives in back-door cuts and spacing the floor for isolation. This is the perfect type of basketball playing next to superstars James Harden and Kawhi Leonard.
While the Clippers may not be done, attaining a talent like Jones Jr. checks off a significant need for LA. He immediately fills the void of athleticism and youth in the starting rotation. If the front office can land another star, Tyronn Lue will have the pieces to craft a run to the NBA Finals in a new arena.
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