Flight 55 made its first return to the American Airways Middle on Thursday night time, as Derrick Jones Jr. performed his first sport in opposition to the Dallas Mavericks since signing with the LA Clippers this offseason. Whereas Mavs normal supervisor Nico Harrison referred to as re-signing Jones the “prime precedence” of the offseason, they determined to signal Naji Marshall with their mid-level exception whereas Jones modified brokers. That left Jones going to the Clippers with a bit extra money than Marshall acquired.
At first of Thursday’s sport between the Mavericks and Clippers, Dallas launched a video tribute to Derrick Jones Jr.
Flight 55 ceaselessly.
A tribute video to Derrick Jones Jr. 💙 #MFFL | @DLLS_Mavs pic.twitter.com/ZLJN6c7vLK
– DLLS Sports activities (@DLLS_Sports) December 20, 2024
READ MORE: 3 takeaways from the Mavericks’ loss to the Clippers
Jones was a starter on final yr’s Mavericks crew that reached the NBA Finals. Though he did not have an awesome efficiency in opposition to the Celtics, his high-flying dunks all through the season and his turnaround on the finish of Sport 6 in opposition to the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder will ceaselessly be remembered by followers. Mavericks followers.
Dallas signed Jones to a minimal contract earlier than the 2023-24 season, with out even guaranteeing him enjoying time. He grew to become a key defender on the perimeter, beginning 66 video games, averaging 8.6 PPG and three.3 RPG. He was capable of work his technique to an extended, extra profitable contract this offseason. He had eight factors in his first sport in opposition to the Mavs.
READ MORE: Mavericks fall with out Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving to Clippers, 118-95
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