Kai Jones #23 of the Dallas Mavericks (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Kai Jones took the court against his former team on Saturday night and immediately felt at home. During the first quarter of the Dallas Mavericks’ 135-104 loss against the LA Clippers, the Intuit Dome’s impressive Halo Board displayed a warm “welcome back” message, highlighting Jones’ stint with Los Angeles earlier this season.
Jones, who appeared in 28 games for the Clippers before being waived March 1, appreciated the gesture. While his time in Los Angeles was relatively short, Jones credits that experience for helping him reach the success he’s found with the Mavericks.
“It was a good opportunity for me to continue working on my game in first-class facilities and show the world what I could do,” Jones told RG. “It worked out great for me. And then also helping them win in the preseason and helping their G League squad win some games too. It was great for me. It was great for their organization.”
Now with Dallas, the 6-foot-11 Jones has thrived since signing a two-way contract on March 2, filling a critical void after injuries left the Mavericks severely shorthanded in the frontcourt. Since his arrival, he’s averaged 11.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 11 games.
On Saturday against the Clippers, Jones showcased precisely why the Mavericks view him as such an asset. He scored 18 points on perfect 9-of-9 shooting, grabbed seven rebounds, recorded three blocks, and added a steal. Despite the Mavericks losing 135-104, Jones’ efficiency stood out.
Jones attributes his seamless integration with the Mavericks to his versatile skill set and willingness to embrace the opportunity provided.
“I feel like for me, just knowing that I can do everything on the basketball floor, I can fit anywhere,” Jones told RG. “So it was just a matter of getting the opportunity. But I’m glad that they’re passing me the ball on the rolls and trusting me to make the right decision with the basketball and the playing time. I’m glad that happened the way it did.”
Dallas coach Jason Kidd recognizes Jones’s impact on the Mavericks’ playoff push, particularly with injuries to key big men Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, and Dereck Lively II.
“Kai’s been great ever since he put on a Mavs’ uniform,” Kidd said.
“When we’re healthy, someone has to sit, and Gafford, D-Live, and AD, I don’t think are going to sit right now. But it also gives us an option to play two bigs. Kai’s been phenomenal. We’re very lucky to have him because he’s part of what saved our season.”
Embracing the Role
Jones’ defensive growth, highlighted by improved rim protection and communication, has further solidified his role. He felt he displayed this potential at times in Charlotte, but he’s naturally heightened his understanding of nuances the longer he’s played in the NBA, while further embracing his role as a communicator.
“I definitely felt like I showed flashes of protecting the rim early in my career in Charlotte,” Jones said. “I always felt like I had what it takes with the length and athleticism, always had really good timing. That’s probably the trickiest part, timing floaters and being in the right positions. But for me, I feel like I’m a better communicator now. I understand where everybody’s supposed to be, and I love communicating on the floor. That’s the biggest part that I’ve seen growth in for myself.”
The communication element is where Jones takes significant pride in being present during each possession.
“Every time I’m on the floor, I always hear it myself. I’m always the loudest,” Jones said.
“So I like that and I want to continue doing that. It’s big for the team, my teammates, and for me. It just makes me feel good when I’m talking. It keeps me present.”
With a continued dedication to his on-court development through daily reps, Jones has focused on growing and sharpening his all-around game. He sees a significant runway for his potential as a player and isn’t putting himself in a narrow box for focus areas. Given the flashes he’s shown in Dallas, there is plenty of basis for such a belief.
“I’ve been working on everything, from the summertime to now, just working on my all-around game — understanding the game, understanding when to take certain shots, when to shoot three, when to shoot the midrange, when to attack,” Jones said. “Just continuing to rep everything out. I feel comfortable everywhere on the floor, so it’s been a good opportunity to show that. Just continuing to work every single day, you know how it is.”
Kidd emphasized that the Mavericks’ ability to adapt and integrate players like Jones has become a defining strength.
Thriving in a New System
Jones has fully embraced this approach and is grateful for the support from his coaches and teammates.
“I love how they allow me to just get in the gym and work on everything. That’s probably one of my favorite things,” Jones said. “I just love the availability of getting in the gym. The Clippers had that too, but the basketball’s been really good here, so it’s been good to just get in the gym, work out with the guys. I’ve loved that part.”
Whether Jones is playing next to another big man like Davis or as the only big on the court, he’s made a strong impact as a relief option who has shown the capability of making some plays off the dribble.
Jones has benefited significantly from playing alongside Davis, noting how Davis’ high basketball IQ helps him thrive. They’ve connected numerous times in their limited sample size of games played, suggesting an intriguing potential tandem to be formed.
“I’m glad AD can pass the way that he does, and you know, it’s good that he likes to pass at high-low,” Jones told RG.
Another element of the Mavericks’ roster that has helped Jones is Klay Thompson’s shooting gravity. Thompson’s presence on the floor creates additional opportunities for Jones offensively. Many actions can be run to leverage Thompson, but a favorite for Jones has been the two-man game in handoffs.
“It’s always valuable to have a really good shooter out there like Klay,” Jones said. “No-dribble handoffs, things like that will open it up for me and for him. It’s been great to play with.”
The Mavericks’ guards quickly realized that Jones has an incredible talent for finishing lobs and being a relief option in the paint. While Brandon Williams has reached his two-way limit for games played, Jones particularly appreciates his playmaking, along with Spencer Dinwiddie in the backcourt.
Many wings playing with Jones can make a play off the catch, whether it’s P.J. Washington, Naji Marshall, or Max Christie. Jones appreciates the versatility, spacing, and additional passing targets.
“They playmake as well, so that’s good. They provide some shooting and spacing too,” Jones said. “Then when I’m in the short roll and it collapses, I have outlets to pass to, and then they pass right back to me sometimes too. It’s good to have those unselfish wings too. I feel like this is a really good team. I’m glad to be a part of it.”
As Dallas continues battling injuries and pushing towards the postseason, Jones’ enthusiasm and on-court energy have become increasingly critical.
“I feel comfortable everywhere on the floor, so it’s been a good opportunity to show that,” Jones told RG. “I love the game, so I love to get up and work out. When I feel great and I’m ready to go, I go and I put a lot of work in.”
Dallas is likely headed to the play-in tournament with a 38-41 record and is currently ranked 10th in the Western Conference. It wouldn’t have been possible without Jones’ timely arrival and impact.
Grant Afseth
