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 played college basketball at UNLV. Known for his exceptional dunking skills, he has earned the nickname "Airplane Mode."

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2014: High School Senior Year

In 2014 as a senior at Archbishop John Carroll High School, Derrick Jones Jr. was named Southeastern Pennsylvania Player of the Year, Delaware County Player of the Year, PIAA Triple-A Player of the Year, and selected first-team All-Catholic League, averaging 19.2 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game.

2015: Joins UNLV Runnin' Rebels

In 2015, Derrick Jones Jr. joined the UNLV Runnin' Rebels for his freshman season. The NCAA requested the ACT investigate his test scores, but he was cleared to play. Jones was the team's second-leading scorer, averaging 11.5 points and 4.5 rebounds in 30 games.

April 7, 2016: Declared for 2016 NBA draft

On April 7, 2016, Derrick Jones Jr. declared for the 2016 NBA draft, while keeping the option open to return to UNLV or go to another college program by not hiring an agent initially.

September 25, 2016: Signed with Phoenix Suns

On September 25, 2016, Derrick Jones Jr. signed with the Phoenix Suns for training camp, eventually securing a spot on the opening-night roster.

November 19, 2016: NBA Debut

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

December 15, 2016: First Field Goal in NBA

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: Joins Sacramento Kings for NBA Summer League

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

February 28, 2017: Scores Eight Points Against 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 start in the NBA, 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

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: Joins Suns for 2017 NBA Summer League

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

November 2017: Multiple Assignments 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 Phoenix Suns

On December 7, 2017, Derrick Jones Jr. was waived by the Phoenix Suns, after appearing in 38 games over two seasons.

December 12, 2017: Acquired by Northern Arizona Suns

On December 12, 2017, Derrick Jones Jr. was acquired by the Northern Arizona Suns, though he did not appear in any games for them.

December 31, 2017: Signed with Miami Heat

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

January 9, 2018: First Start for the 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.

July 1, 2018: Signed Standard Contract with Heat

On July 1, 2018, Derrick Jones Jr. signed a 2-year, $3.2 million standard contract with the Miami Heat.

November 22, 2020: Signed with Portland Trail Blazers

On November 22, 2020, Derrick Jones Jr. signed a 2-year, $19 million contract with the Portland Trail Blazers.

August 28, 2021: Acquired by Chicago Bulls

On August 28, 2021, Derrick Jones Jr. was acquired by the Chicago Bulls in a three-team sign-and-trade also involving the Cleveland Cavaliers, along with draft picks.