View the profile of LA Clippers Forward Derrick Jones Jr. Get the latest news, live stats and game highlights.
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| Attribute | Details |
| Name | Derrick Jones Jr. |
| Jersey Number | #5 |
| Position | Forward |
| Team | LA Clippers |
| Height/Weight | 6’6″, 210 lbs |
| Birthdate | February 15, 1997 (29 years old) |
| College | UNLV |
| Experience | 9th Season |
| Status | Active |
Derrick Jones Jr. is an athletic forward for the LA Clippers known for his explosive leaping ability and defensive versatility. The 9-year NBA veteran has established himself as a valuable role player who contributes on both ends of the floor, particularly as a slasher and perimeter defender. His combination of size, speed, and athleticism makes him an ideal fit for the Clippers’ rotation.
Jones Jr. began his NBA journey as an undrafted free agent in 2016, signing with the Phoenix Suns after a standout career at UNLV. He gained national recognition by winning the 2017 NBA Slam Dunk Contest while with the Phoenix Suns, showcasing the aerial artistry that would become his trademark. Over his career, he has developed from a raw athlete into a reliable rotation player capable of impacting games without needing the ball in his hands.
The 2025-26 season has seen Jones Jr. carve out a significant role with the Clippers, averaging 26.3 minutes per game across 27 appearances. His efficiency has been a highlight, shooting 53.2% from the field and a career-best 38.5% from three-point range. The improved outside shooting has added a new dimension to his game, making him a more complete offensive player and spacing the floor for LA’s stars.
2025-26 Regular Season Stats
| Stat | Value | Career Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Points (PTS) | 10.9 | 7.4 |
| Rebounds (REB) | 2.7 | 3.3 |
| Assists (AST) | 1.3 | 0.8 |
| Field Goal % (FG%) | 53.2 | 50.9 |
| 3-Point % (3P%) | 38.5 | 33.0 |
| Free Throw % (FT%) | 76.4 | 70.9 |
Jones Jr.’s statistical improvements across the board demonstrate his continued development as a player. His 10.9 points per game represents a career high, while his 38.5% three-point shooting shows significant progress from his early career struggles from beyond the arc. The 53.2% field goal percentage reflects his smart shot selection and ability to finish at the rim.
Detailed Statistics
| Category | 2025-26 Season | Career |
|---|---|---|
| Games Played (GP) | 27 | 524 |
| Minutes Per Game (MIN) | 26.3 | 20.6 |
| Field Goal % | 53.2 | 50.9 |
| 3-Point % | 38.5 | 33.0 |
| Free Throw % | 76.4 | 70.9 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 2.7 | 3.3 |
| Assists Per Game | 1.3 | 0.8 |
| Blocks Per Game | 1.1 | 0.7 |
| Steals Per Game | 0.8 | 0.7 |
| Points Per Game | 10.9 | 7.4 |
The statistical comparison between his current season and career averages reveals Jones Jr.’s evolution as a player. While his rebounding numbers are slightly down due to playing more on the perimeter, his scoring, assists, and defensive statistics have all improved. The 1.1 blocks per game is particularly impressive for a wing player and speaks to his timing and athleticism.
Performance Splits
| Split | GP | MIN | FG% | 3P% | FT% | REB | AST | BLK | STL | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Last 10 Games | 10 | 29.9 | 50.0 | 36.1 | 75.0 | 2.8 | 1.4 | 1.1 | 0.9 | 11.9 |
| Road Games | 10 | 26.6 | 50.7 | 36.4 | 77.8 | 2.6 | 1.1 | 1.3 | 1.1 | 9.4 |
| vs Golden State | 1 | 23.0 | 16.7 | 16.7 | 0.0 | 2.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 3.0 |
Jones Jr.’s splits show consistent production across different scenarios, with his road numbers particularly strong. The 1.3 blocks and 1.1 steals per game on the road highlight his defensive impact regardless of venue. His recent stretch of games has seen increased playing time and production, averaging 11.9 points over the last 10 contests.
Recent Games
| Date | Opponent | Result | MIN | FG% | 3P% | REB | AST | BLK | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon 3/2 | vs NO | W 137-117 | 28 | 66.7 | 75.0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 17 |
| Fri 2/27 | vs MIN | L 94-88 | 32 | 63.6 | 50.0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 18 |
| Mon 2/23 | vs ORL | L 111-109 | 32 | 25.0 | 0.0 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 6 |
| Sat 2/21 | @ LAL | L 125-122 | 39 | 60.0 | 33.3 | 8 | 2 | 2 | 13 |
| Fri 2/20 | vs DEN | W 115-114 | 34 | 46.7 | 28.6 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 22 |
Jones Jr.’s recent performances have been solid, highlighted by a 22-point effort against Denver and back-to-back 17 and 18-point games. His ability to contribute across the stat sheet was evident in the Lakers game where he recorded 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks in 39 minutes. The consistency in his minutes reflects the trust the coaching staff has placed in him.
2025-26 Pacific Division Standings
| Team | W | L | PCT | GB | STRK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LA Lakers | 36 | 24 | .600 | — | W2 |
| Phoenix | 34 | 26 | .567 | 2 | W1 |
| Golden State | 31 | 29 | .517 | 5 | L1 |
| LA Clippers | 28 | 31 | .475 | 7.5 | W1 |
| Sacramento | 14 | 48 | .226 | 23 | L1 |
The Clippers currently sit in fourth place in the Pacific Division with a 28-31 record, 7.5 games behind the division-leading Lakers. Jones Jr. has been a key contributor as the team battles for playoff positioning in the competitive Western Conference. His role has expanded due to injuries to teammates, and he has responded with reliable two-way play.
Tips / Interesting Facts
- Derrick Jones Jr. won the 2017 NBA Slam Dunk Contest while playing for the Phoenix Suns, defeating Aaron Gordon in a memorable final round.
- He went undrafted in 2016 but earned an NBA contract through his Summer League performance and elite athleticism.
- His 38.5% three-point shooting in 2025-26 represents a career high and significant improvement from his early career.
- Jones Jr. has played for five NBA teams: Phoenix Suns, Miami Heat, Portland Trail Blazers, Chicago Bulls, and LA Clippers.
- He played college basketball at UNLV, where he earned Mountain West Freshman of the Year honors in 2016.
- His 1.1 blocks per game in 2025-26 ranks among the top wing defenders in the NBA.
- Jones Jr. has appeared in 524 career NBA games, establishing himself as a reliable rotation player over nine seasons.
Derrick Jones Jr. has carved out a successful NBA career through sheer determination and athletic prowess. From his Slam Dunk Contest victory to his current role as a key contributor for the Clippers, he has consistently improved his game and adapted to various team situations. His development as a three-point shooter has transformed him from a specialist into a complete player capable of impacting games on both ends of the floor. As the Clippers push for playoff positioning, Jones Jr.’s defensive versatility and improved offensive game make him a valuable asset in their rotation.