Derrick Jones Jr. was on fire against the Nets, particularly against Ben Simmons, effectively ruining his 2024-25 debut. But then again, that’s what the Clippers signed the 6’7 forward for. A key piece in the Mavericks’ Finals run last season, Jones’ move to LA came as quite a shock. But Dallas’ offseason signings of Klay Thompson and Naji Marshall meant that the 27-year-old would likely see his role as a starter, off the books.

But with the Clippers, Derrick Jones Jr. saw a clearer path. One he detailed to reporters at the NBA Summer League in Vegas. “I talked to the ownership, the front office, and the coaching staff. The route they were looking to go to was towards me and have me come in there and fill that 3/4 role, be aggressive offensively, and be who I am defensively. Go out there and try and win a championship.”

Unfortunately, that path seems to have encountered a roadblock. At least temporarily. Derrick Jones Jr. took a hit to the face in the second quarter of the Nets vs Clippers preseason matchup and was down for a few minutes. The trainers were immediately beside him, but the Clippers had to let him go to the locker room for a detailed checkup. He was walking away with a towel held to his face.

And unfortunately, the final verdict on the matter is not positive. “Derrick Jones Jr. (head contusion) is OUT for the rest of the game, say the Clippers,” Justin Russo tweeted in the latest update.

Ty Lue, after the game, positively revealed that Derrick Jones Jr. is fine, per Farbod Esnaashari of SI Now. But that’s all there is about the injury. He finished the night with 3 points and blocks each while going 1-of-1 from both the field and downtown in 13 minutes.

The Clippers are already down four players. Kawhi Leonard has yet to suit up as he recovers from the swelling on his right knee. Two-way contract player Trentyn Flowers is also out because of surgery on his left wrist. In fact, he hadn’t participated in the training camp, either. And then we have Mo Bamba (knee) and Bones Hyland (left hip soreness), both of whom were sidelined.

The Clippers were thrilled to sign Derrick Jones Jr. behind Paul George exit

While it’s hard to replace someone like Paul George, LA was left with no choice but to find the closest option. And it came in the form of one of the best 3-and-D wings in the league now, Derrick Jones Jr. As mentioned above, the Pennsylvania native wasn’t happy with how things were taking shape in Dallas. And their offer of three-year, $27 million (the same as Marshall’s), which after taxes will end up less than Naji, did not sit right with him.

Hence, when the LA Clippers came forward with a clear picture and a 3-year $30 million deal, Derrick Jones Jr. accepted. With the 2020 Slam Dunk Contest Champion on the roster, the Clippers managed to replace a bit of the depth at wing.

To go from being a veteran minimum contract worth $2.7 million (or thereabout) to becoming THE offseason priority itself speaks volumes. He averaged career-highs in both the regular season and the playoffs in nearly all the categories. Jones played the most games of his career (76, starting 66) in his only season with Dallas while scoring 8.6 points in 23.5 minutes and shooting 34.3% from downtown.

Although his Clippers debut against the Warriors was disappointing, tonight’s performance showed what exactly he was capable of pulling off. Were it not for the untimely head injury, we would have no doubt seen more from “Airplane Mode”.

Before leaving, watch the Dual Threat Show hosted by BG12 where Bulldogs’ Asia Avinger details her experience with Kobe Bryant, WNBA ROTY picks, and more.