Derrick Jones Jr. Bio
Derrick Labrent Jones Jr. (born February 15, 1997) is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Clippers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Nicknamed “Airplane Mode” for his remarkable dunking ability, Jones has been a professional player since 2016, showcasing his athleticism across multiple NBA franchises. He won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 2020 and has developed into a versatile two-way player known for his defensive intensity and explosive scoring ability.
Early Life and Background
Jones was born in Chester, Pennsylvania, where he developed his passion for basketball at a young age. He attended Archbishop John Carroll High School in Radnor, Pennsylvania, under coach Paul Romanczuk. During his senior season in 2014–15, Jones dominated the competition, earning Southeastern Pennsylvania Player of the Year, Delaware County Player of the Year, and PIAA Triple-A Player of the Year honors. He also earned first-team All-Catholic League recognition while leading Archbishop Carroll to a 23–7 overall record.
Throughout his high school career, Jones accumulated 1,645 points, 1,029 rebounds, and 268 blocked shots, finishing as the highest scorer in school history. His standout performance came in the state tournament semifinals, where he recorded 30 points, 18 rebounds, and five blocked shots. For the season, he averaged 19.2 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game. His exceptional senior year earned him the title of Mr. Pennsylvania Basketball in 2015.
Path to Professional Basketball
Following his stellar high school career, Jones committed to play college basketball for the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels. He joined the program for the 2015–16 NCAA season and quickly established himself as a significant contributor. Jones was the Runnin’ Rebels’ second-leading scorer, averaging 11.5 points on 58.9 percent shooting alongside 4.5 rebounds in 30 games. He recorded four double-doubles during the season, including a career-high 26 points and 10 rebounds against Chaminade at the Maui Invitational Tournament.
However, his college career faced complications when the NCAA Eligibility Center requested an investigation into Jones’ ACT test scores from a testing site in Baltimore, Maryland. Although initially cleared to play, UNLV was later notified by the ACT testing service that Jones’ score had been cancelled, rendering him ineligible under NCAA rules. He was forced to sit out the final three games of the season. Despite these challenges, Jones declared for the 2016 NBA draft and ultimately went undrafted, marking the beginning of his professional journey.
Derrick Jones Jr. Career
Early Career (2016–2017)
After going undrafted in 2016, Jones joined the Sacramento Kings for the NBA Summer League but was unable to play due to a groin injury. He subsequently signed with the Phoenix Suns for training camp on September 25, 2016, and secured an opening-night roster spot after impressing during the preseason. Jones made his NBA debut on November 19, 2016, against the Philadelphia 76ers in his home state of Pennsylvania.
Although much of his rookie season was spent in the NBA Development League with the Northern Arizona Suns, Jones was selected to compete in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest during All-Star Weekend. He advanced to the final round but lost to Glenn Robinson III. Jones recorded his first double-digit scoring game on March 28, 2017, scoring 13 points against the Atlanta Hawks, and followed with a career-high 15 points in a win over the Dallas Mavericks on April 9, 2017. He appeared in 38 games with Phoenix over two seasons, averaging 4.7 points and 2.2 rebounds.
Miami Heat Breakthrough (2017–2020)
On December 31, 2017, Jones signed a two-way contract with the Miami Heat, splitting time between the team and their G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce. He made his first start for the Heat on January 9, 2018, recording eight points, five rebounds, and two blocks in 28 minutes against the Toronto Raptors. On July 1, 2018, Jones signed a two-year, $3.2 million standard contract with the Heat, solidifying his place in the rotation.
The 2019–20 season marked the pinnacle of Jones’ early career. During NBA All-Star Weekend in 2020, he won the Slam Dunk Contest in dramatic fashion, defeating Aaron Gordon in overtime. Both competitors posted perfect scores through the first two rounds, with Jones winning by scoring a 48 after taking off just past the free throw line for a windmill dunk, while Gordon received a 47 after dunking over 7-foot-6-inch Tacko Fall. The Heat reached the 2020 NBA Finals that season, losing to the Los Angeles Lakers in six games.
Portland Trail Blazers (2020–2021)
On November 22, 2020, Jones signed a two-year, $19 million contract with the Portland Trail Blazers, providing the team with defensive versatility and athleticism on the wing. His time in Portland allowed him to continue developing his all-around game while contributing to a playoff-caliber team.
Chicago Bulls (2021–2023)
On August 28, 2021, Jones was acquired by the Chicago Bulls in a three-team sign-and-trade involving the Cleveland Cavaliers. His tenure with the Bulls was plagued by injuries, including a right knee bone bruise in January 2022 that forced him to miss several weeks, followed by a fractured right index finger during recovery. Despite these setbacks, Jones re-signed with the Bulls on July 6, 2022, on a two-year, $6.6 million contract. He declined his $3.36 million player option in June 2023 to become a free agent.
Dallas Mavericks (2023–2024)
On August 18, 2023, Jones signed with the Dallas Mavericks. His time in Dallas proved to be the most impactful stretch of his NBA career. Initially coming off the bench, he earned a spot in the starting lineup due to his elite defensive play and court impact. During the playoffs, Jones’ defense, athleticism, and hustle were instrumental in several critical games, where his shot-blocking, perimeter defense, and rebounding helped the Mavericks reach the NBA Finals. He primarily guarded the opposing team’s best players, including Paul George, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Anthony Edwards. He continued improving his offensive game, showing increased confidence with his outside shot and becoming a reliable cutter to the basket. The Mavericks reached the NBA Finals but lost to the Boston Celtics in five games.
Los Angeles Clippers Era (2024–Present)
On July 10, 2024, Jones signed a three-year, $30 million contract with the Los Angeles Clippers. He made 77 appearances (55 starts) during the 2024–25 NBA season, averaging 10.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 0.8 assists. His versatility and defensive prowess made him a valuable contributor to the Clippers’ rotation as they competed for playoff positioning in the Western Conference.
Driving Style and Strengths
Jones is renowned for his exceptional athleticism, particularly his vertical leap that earned him the nickname “Airplane Mode.” His defensive versatility allows him to guard multiple positions, from perimeter players to interior threats. He excels at rim protection, perimeter defense, and rebounding, making him a valuable two-way player. His ability to switch seamlessly between small forward and power forward positions provides coaches with lineup flexibility. Offensively, he has developed into a reliable cutter and has shown improvement in his outside shooting, complementing his transition scoring ability.
Notable Events and Milestones
Jones’ signature moment came during the 2020 NBA Slam Dunk Contest when he defeated Aaron Gordon in dramatic fashion. The competition featured perfect scores through multiple rounds and an overtime period, with Jones’ windmill dunk from just past the free throw line sealing his victory. His performance cemented his reputation as one of the premier dunkers in NBA history. Additionally, his instrumental role in the Dallas Mavericks’ run to the 2024 NBA Finals showcased his ability to impact winning basketball at the highest level.
Derrick Jones Jr. Career Highlights
Throughout his NBA career, Jones has accumulated significant accomplishments across multiple organizations. His journey from an undrafted player to a valued rotation piece demonstrates his persistence and development as a professional. His championship-level experience with both the Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks highlights his ability to contribute to winning teams.
NBA Achievements
Jones’ most prestigious accomplishment remains his NBA Slam Dunk Contest championship in 2020, where he outlasted a competitive field including Aaron Gordon in one of the most celebrated dunk contests in league history. He has appeared in multiple playoff series and reached the NBA Finals twice, with the Heat in 2020 and the Mavericks in 2024. His career averages and consistent contribution to winning teams underscore his value as a two-way player in the NBA.
Awards and Recognition
Prior to his professional career, Jones earned Mr. Pennsylvania Basketball honors in 2015, establishing himself as one of the top high school players in the country. His high school career saw him break scoring records at Archbishop John Carroll while earning multiple Player of the Year accolades at the regional and state levels.
Derrick Jones Jr. Family
Family Background
Jones grew up in Chester, Pennsylvania, with his family providing support throughout his basketball journey. He has one brother and two sisters, and his upbringing in the Philadelphia area contributed to his development as a competitive basketball player.
Personal Life
In January 2023, during the Chicago Bulls’ trip to Paris to play the Detroit Pistons, Jones became engaged to his longtime girlfriend. His engagement marks a significant personal milestone as he continues his professional basketball career. Jones remains active on social media, connecting with fans through his official accounts while maintaining focus on his career and personal development.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024–25 NBA season saw Jones establish himself as a consistent contributor for the Los Angeles Clippers following his offseason signing. Appearing in 77 games with 55 starts, he averaged 10.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 0.8 assists while shooting efficiently from the field. His defensive versatility and ability to play multiple positions made him an integral part of the Clippers’ rotation as they competed for playoff positioning in a competitive Western Conference.
Jones’ season momentum was interrupted in November 2025 when he was diagnosed with a sprained MCL in his right knee, ruling him out for at least six weeks. Upon returning from injury, he appeared in four games off the bench after previously starting the first 13 games of the season. Unfortunately, on January 4, 2026, Jones suffered another setback when diagnosed with a Grade 2 MCL sprain in the same knee, resulting in another six-week absence. Despite the injuries, Jones’ impact during his healthy stretches demonstrated his value to the Clippers’ championship aspirations, and his return to full health will be crucial for the team’s postseason push.