Dallas Mavs' Derrick Jones Jr. in 'Contention' for Starting Spot Alongside Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving
As the 2023-24 NBA season draws closer, the Dallas Mavericks are trimming down their roster, and head coach Jason Kidd has some decisions to make when it comes to his starting lineup and bench rotation.
After three preseason games, we believe it's safe to assume that Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving and Grant Williams are locks to be starters. Rookie big man Dereck Lively II could be close to being a lock as well, as he's started all the Mavs' preseason games so far. Dallas' starting-center job could be Lively's to lose at this point.
So, if those four starting spots are accounted for, that leaves one spot remaining. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, seven-year veteran Derrick Jones Jr., who signed a one-year veteran's minimum contract with the Mavs over the summer, has "played himself into contention" for a starting spot.
Derrick Jones Jr. started for the Dallas Mavericks during their preseason matchup against Real Madrid on Tuesday.
Jesus Orihuela/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images
"Rookie Olivier-Maxence Prosper does not appear ready for such a prime-time role and fourth-year Mavericks swingman Josh Green hasn't seized the spot, either," Stein writes. "Derrick Jones Jr., signed by the Mavericks to a minimum deal in mid-August, has played himself into contention for the starting berth. The play of Dante Exum, another minimum signing, was among the trip’s few bright spots."
During the Mavs' recent preseason game against Real Madrid, Irving was out due to what the team labeled as "groin soreness," and Jones got to start. He took advantage of the opportunity, scoring eight points on 4-6 shooting from the field and grabbing five rebounds in 18 minutes. Throughout his career, Jones has a highlight-reel dunker who also has a lot of versatility on the defensive end of the floor.
Although the 26-year-old has never been known for his 3-point shooting, he has consistently improved in that area each year on low volume. Last season with the Chicago Bulls, Jones shot a career-high 33.8 percent from deep.
There is still a chance that Josh Green, who continues to improve each season as well, could start for the Mavs on opening night, but he still has some work to do in order to secure that spot. Jones' experience could give him the edge here.
