Derrick Jones Jr. is a forward for the Los Angeles Clippers, currently in his 9th NBA season. The 29-year-old, listed at 6’6″ and 210 lbs, has established himself as one of the league’s most reliable and versatile forwards — an explosive athlete capable of defending multiple positions, finishing above the rim, and contributing meaningful offensive numbers when given the opportunity. Jones Jr. wears #5 for the Clippers and attended UNLV before entering the league.
In the 2025-26 regular season, Jones Jr. is averaging 10.7 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game across 26 appearances, shooting 52.6% from the field, 36.8% from three and 75.5% from the free throw line. His efficiency numbers this season are among the best of his career, reflecting both his maturity as a player and his expanded role within the Clippers system. He has been particularly important during stretches when Kawhi Leonard has been unavailable due to injury, stepping up with consistent contributions from the forward spot.
Jones Jr.’s most recent outing was a standout performance against the New Orleans Pelicans on March 2, where he posted 17 points on 66.7% shooting in 28 minutes as the Clippers cruised to a 137-117 victory. His +19 plus/minus in that game was the highest on the team, underlining the positive impact he has on both ends of the floor. Prior to that, he scored 18 points against Minnesota on February 27, and 22 points against Denver on February 20 — two performances that demonstrated his ability to carry offensive responsibility in high-stakes situations.
Over his 9-year NBA career spanning 523 regular season games, Jones Jr. has averaged 7.4 points, 3.3 rebounds and 0.8 assists per game, shooting 50.8% from the field. His career numbers reflect a player who has consistently improved and grown his role from a raw athletic prospect into a dependable two-way contributor. His shot-blocking — averaging 1.1 per game this season — and active hands on defense make him a genuinely impactful presence at both ends, and his ability to play above the rim remains one of his most exciting traits.
In fantasy basketball, Jones Jr. carries a position rank of 60 and is currently rostered in just 3.6% of leagues, representing potential value for managers in need of efficient forward production. His usefulness tends to spike whenever Leonard is sidelined, as the Clippers rely heavily on him to fill the scoring and defensive gap left by their All-Star wing. The Clippers currently sit 28-31 on the season, 7.5 games behind the Lakers in the Pacific Division standings, and next face the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on Tuesday, March 3.
Looking ahead, Jones Jr. will look to build on a strong recent stretch as the Clippers push for a playoff position in a competitive Western Conference. His athleticism, defensive versatility and increasingly reliable scoring touch make him one of the more underrated players in the league at his position, and a genuine difference-maker for a Clippers side still aiming to maximize a season that has been disrupted by Kawhi Leonard’s ongoing injury absences.
2025-26 Season Stats
| GP | MIN | FG% | 3P% | FT% | REB | AST | BLK | STL | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | 26.2 | 52.6 | 36.8 | 75.5 | 2.7 | 1.3 | 1.1 | 0.8 | 10.7 |
Recent Games
| Date | Opponent | Result | MIN | FG% | 3P% | REB | AST | BLK | STL | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon 3/2 | vs NO | W 137-117 | 28 | 66.7 | 75.0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 17 |
| Fri 2/27 | vs MIN | L 94-88 | 32 | 63.6 | 50.0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 18 |
| Mon 2/23 | vs ORL | L 111-109 | 32 | 25.0 | 0.0 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 6 |
| Sat 2/21 | @ LAL | L 125-122 | 39 | 60.0 | 33.3 | 8 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 13 |
| Fri 2/20 | vs DEN | W 115-114 | 34 | 46.7 | 28.6 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 22 |
Player Profile
| Team | Los Angeles Clippers |
| Position | Forward (#5) |
| Height / Weight | 6’6″, 210 lbs |
| Date of Birth | February 15, 1997 (Age 29) |
| College | UNLV |
| Experience | 9th NBA Season |
| Status | Active |
| Career Games | 523 |
| Career PTS avg | 7.4 |
| Next Game | @ Golden State Warriors, Tue Mar 3, 5:00 PM |