Derrick Jones Jr. recently inked a two-year deal with the Miami Heat and, at the age of 21, the 6’7 forward has all kinds of ability that would be tantalizing and intriguing to his employer. With that as the backdrop, the Heat participated in the inaugural (and popular) California Classic this week in Sacramento and that particular event allowed Jones Jr. to showcase his off-the-charts burst and athleticism in the form of a dunk party.
Though things culminated with an utter explosion in the finale against the Kings on Thursday (we’ll get there), Jones left a mark with a few highlight-reel offerings in Miami’s first two games, including this one.
*extremely John Denver voice* pic.twitter.com/zCOmb2FE5c
— Couper Moorhead (@CoupNBA) July 3, 2018
From there, he transitioned into a first half barrage against Sacramento.
2. Jones Jr. making it look oh my… pic.twitter.com/gdkOq167e3
— Couper Moorhead (@CoupNBA) July 5, 2018
At some point you would think the defense would realize that Jones Jr. is on the floor. pic.twitter.com/IlPqVrug2N
— Couper Moorhead (@CoupNBA) July 5, 2018
Jones Jr. wasn’t done there, though, as he put together another impressive throw-down in the third quarter.
Commentary not required. Enjoy. pic.twitter.com/i9C4vzjgih
— Couper Moorhead (@CoupNBA) July 5, 2018
And, for good measure, the hyper-athlete from UNLV had to put a punctuation mark on the proceedings with a jam in the final minute.
And that will do it for Summer League in Sacramento, where thanks to Jones Jr. the rims need a vacation. pic.twitter.com/B1577EE7il
— Couper Moorhead (@CoupNBA) July 5, 2018
Jones Jr. has always been best known for his dunks but it also should be noted that he was very impressive (leading the Heat in scoring in all three games) in an all-court sense during Miami’s trio of games, particularly on the defensive end.
Jones Jr. turns the ball over and then totally redeems himself in the span of a few seconds. pic.twitter.com/srcYLVBSIa
— Couper Moorhead (@CoupNBA) July 4, 2018
It remains to be seen as to whether Jones Jr. can fully translate in an NBA game but, after a two-way contract a season ago, he’ll be operating on a full deal this year with plenty of opportunity to break through for the Heat. If this week in Sacramento was any indication, he’ll at least bring entertainment to the floor.