The Dallas Mavericks are officially on the biggest stage in the NBA as they’ll begin the NBA Finals on Thursday, and fans can’t wait to see their team back here for the first time since 2011.
Given the alleged “beef” between Kristaps Porzingis and Luka Doncic and their impending return to their former training grounds, there will undoubtedly be plenty of drama leading up to this series. Thursday can’t come soon enough.
The NBA’s top tandem, Doncic and Irving, have not stopped proving their worth, and those who doubted their ability to operate together now look silly.
Derrick Jones Jr. is a role player who has seemingly gone underappreciated in these playoffs despite tremendous play on both sides of the court, while Doncic and Irving are currently the buzz of the town.
Derrick Jones Jr. drops hint that he’ll return to Mavericks in free agency
Jones Jr. has been the starting wing next to Doncic and Irving, and he is earning himself more and more money daily since he will be able to sign with no restrictions this summer. He signed a veteran’s minimum contract with Dallas last summer, but he is eligible for a considerably larger salary. On Sunday, he quietly revealed to the world who he will be playing for next season.
Jones Jr. responded, “We expect him to step up next year and we expect him to step up even more in the Finals right now,” in response to a question regarding Derek Lively II. Jones Jr.’s comment that “next year we” refers to the Mavs has excited Mavs supporters despite the statement’s generality.
It was reported earlier in the playoffs that Jones Jr. wants to return to Dallas, and this statement is even more proof of that. Although it’s encouraging that Jones Jr. mentioned and included himself in the conversation regarding next year, he might not be as easy to keep around as some may believe.
Regardless of how significant Jones Jr. has been in these playoffs, the Mavs need to find a reasonable sum to pay him without going over budget. Playoff risers frequently land enormous contracts on the open market.
Jones Jr.’s significant role will likely continue into the NBA Finals versus the Boston Celtics, where he will probably be tasked with guarding either Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown. If he is as committed to remaining as it appears, Jones Jr. might end up being the Mavs’ starting wing for many years to come.
