Jacari McRae | June 27th, 2019
With Dwyane Wade now retired, it’s the younger Miami Heat players’ responsibility to carry the franchise forward. And every single one of them has embraced the challenge. One of those young players, Derrick Jones Jr., has his sights on the Defensive Player of the Year award.
Derrick Jones Jr. on wanting to be DPOY pic.twitter.com/9BeLFkCm4G
— alex (@tropicalblanket) June 26, 2019
After spending his first two seasons in and out of the G League, Jones Jr. had the best NBA season of his career this past season. He averaged a career-high 7.0 points and 4.0 rebounds in 19.2 minutes per game last season. Despite being known for his high flying dunks, Jones Jr. played strong defense throughout the season. He was often used to anchor the Heat’s modified zone defense, which was used to stifle opponents.
Derrick Jones Jr. played some -down defense on Karl-Anthony Towns in the 1st quarter of #MINvsMIA. @TheRea1DJones: 4 PTS, 4 REB
Watch your @MiamiHEAT LIVE FOX Sports Sun | FOX Sports App pic.twitter.com/cnqOJvWq5V
— FOX Sports Florida (@FOXSportsFL) December 30, 2018
With Jones Jr expected to remain in the Heat’s rotation, he should have plenty of opportunities to make his case for the DPOY award.
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