Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Derrick Jones Jr.

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Derrick Jones Jr. made an impact.

Derrick Jones Jr. is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA. He's known for his high-flying dunks, earning him the nickname "Airplane Mode". He played college basketball for the UNLV Runnin' Rebels before entering the NBA.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2015: Joined UNLV Runnin' Rebels

In 2015, Derrick Jones Jr. joined the UNLV Runnin' Rebels for his freshman season. Prior to the start of the season, his ACT scores were investigated, but he was later cleared to play. He was the team's second-leading scorer, averaging 11.5 points.

April 7, 2016: Declared for the 2016 NBA draft

On April 7, 2016, Derrick Jones Jr. declared for the 2016 NBA draft, while leaving open the option to return to UNLV or another college. He later hired an agent and remained in the draft.

September 25, 2016: Signed with the Phoenix Suns

On September 25, 2016, Derrick Jones Jr. signed with the Phoenix Suns for training camp.

November 19, 2016: NBA Debut

On November 19, 2016, Derrick Jones Jr. made his NBA debut against the Philadelphia 76ers.

December 15, 2016: First NBA Field Goal

On December 15, 2016, Derrick Jones Jr. recorded his first field goal in the NBA, finishing with three points against the San Antonio Spurs.

2016: Went Undrafted in the 2016 NBA Draft

In 2016, Derrick Jones Jr. went undrafted in the NBA draft. He then joined the Sacramento Kings for the 2016 NBA Summer League but was unable to play due to a groin injury.

February 28, 2017: Scored eight points against the Memphis Grizzlies

On February 28, 2017, Derrick Jones Jr. scored eight points in a 130–112 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.

March 11, 2017: First NBA Start

On March 11, 2017, Derrick Jones Jr. made his first NBA start, logging two points, a season-high seven rebounds, and one assist in a 100–98 win over the Dallas Mavericks.

March 28, 2017: First double-digit scoring game of his career

On March 28, 2017, Derrick Jones Jr. had his first double-digit scoring game of his career, scoring 13 points in a 95–91 loss to the Atlanta Hawks.

April 9, 2017: Career-high 15 points

On April 9, 2017, Derrick Jones Jr. scored a career-high 15 points in a 124–111 win over the Dallas Mavericks.

July 2017: Joined the Suns for the 2017 NBA Summer League

In July 2017, Derrick Jones Jr. joined the Suns for the 2017 NBA Summer League.

November 2017: Assigned to Northern Arizona Suns

In November 2017, Derrick Jones Jr. had multiple assignments to the Northern Arizona Suns of the NBA G League.

December 7, 2017: Waived by the Phoenix Suns

On December 7, 2017, Derrick Jones Jr. was waived by the Phoenix Suns. He played in 38 games for the Suns, averaging 4.7 points.

December 12, 2017: Acquired by the Northern Arizona Suns

On December 12, 2017, Derrick Jones Jr. was acquired by the Northern Arizona Suns of the NBA G League, though he did not play any games for them.

December 31, 2017: Signed with the Miami Heat

On December 31, 2017, Derrick Jones Jr. signed a two-way contract with the Miami Heat, splitting his time between the Heat and the Sioux Falls Skyforce.

January 9, 2018: First start for the Miami Heat

On January 9, 2018, Derrick Jones Jr. made his first start for the Miami Heat, recording eight points, five rebounds, one assist and two blocks against the Toronto Raptors.