**Derrick Jones Jr.’s Exit from the Mavericks: Candid Reactions**
Derrick Jones Jr. will be missed by the Dallas Mavericks.
DALLAS — As the Dallas Mavericks’ Summer League team gears up for Las Vegas, former Mavs player Derrick Jones Jr., now with the Los Angeles Clippers, has been a frequent topic of discussion. Mavs Summer League players Alex Fudge and AJ Lawson praised Jones while speaking to reporters.
“When he was here, Derrick Jones,” Fudge mentioned on Tuesday when asked about players he sought advice from. “I see a lot of myself in him. Same build, can guard, play above the rim. Now, I’d say PJ Washington and Dereck Lively. Those guys have stepped up.”
“Definitely the OG… Markieff Morris,” Lawson added on Wednesday when asked a similar question. “He’s the vocal leader. I watched Derrick Jones a lot because he’s a great defender. I asked him about things he did because I want to be in his position someday. We’re almost the same build and position, so learning from him was very helpful.”
**The Impact of Derrick Jones Jr.**
How much will Jones be missed? Lawson elaborated after multiple players mentioned Jones as a role model.
“He’ll be missed for sure,” Lawson said. “He’s our guy. It’s sad to see him go, but I hope he does well. We still talk whenever I have a question… The Mavericks family stays connected even after players leave.”
While Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving garnered most of the attention for the Mavericks during the 2023-24 season, Jones provided a vital spark on both ends of the court. He was a reliable scorer and a threat to perform spectacular dunks. However, his greatest strength was his defense, consistently guarding the opposition’s best players and forcing them into tough shots.
**Jared Dudley on Derrick Jones Jr.**
Mavericks Summer League head coach Jared Dudley, also part of Jason Kidd’s regular-season coaching staff, discussed an important conversation he had with Jones this past season. Dudley also expressed confidence in Naji Marshall, who was signed in free agency to help fill Jones’ role.
“(Jones) had a huge impact defensively,” Dudley said on Wednesday. “He was our best defensive player. But there were times when he wasn’t playing or came off the bench, and we’d tell him, ‘hey, you have to pick up full court.’ I remember telling D-Jones, ‘do you want to be a $2 million player or a $12 million player? Your shooting is around 34-36 percent. You’re not going to shoot 40-42 percent. You’re gifted athletically. The thing you can control is your energy and effort, picking up the ball. Make it a living hell for offensive players.’
“He figured that out. Salute to him and his family for $10 million.”
Dudley’s advice seemingly contributed to Jones’ impressive season. Now, Jones is set to join the Clippers with a three-year, $30 million contract. Fortunately for the Mavericks, they’ve made several quality offseason acquisitions.
**Naji Marshall Among Mavericks’ Key Offseason Additions**
Klay Thompson is the standout addition, Quentin Grimes was acquired in the Tim Hardaway Jr. trade, and Naji Marshall was signed in free agency.
Dudley highlighted some of Marshall’s strengths.
“But Marshall is very similar but in a different way,” Dudley continued. “You don’t have to worry about Marshall being tough and rugged… He’s going to be that from the beginning, being from Philly… He shoots the ball a bit better.”
Jones will be missed, but Marshall is an exciting addition.
“You might miss some aspects, but gaining someone like Marshall brings a toughness we desperately need.”
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