Miami Heat: Derrick Jones Jr will play through NBA Orlando
With some players opting not to participate in the NBA restart, Derrick Jones Jr has made it clear that he’ll be suiting up for the Miami Heat.
Despite the risk of any longterm injury, Derrick Jones Jr will be taking the floor for the Miami Heat and playing through the season’s finish in Orlando, Florida.
It was only ever in question once Davis Bertans of the Washington Wizards announced on Monday he’d be sitting the rest of the basketball year. The veteran forward is also headed for free agency, and in line for what will likely be the one big time contract offer between now and his retirement.
Something similar could be said for Jones, although most would argue that his career is on a more promising trajectory at just 23. He’s had a strong campaign with the Heat this year behind averages of: 8.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game.
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Prior to Bertans, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that veteran forward Trevor Ariza would not be traveling with the Portland Trail Blazers to Orlando. He was the first of now three NBA veterans to elect not to finish out the 2019-2020 campaign.
As we’ve noted here previously, Miami’s Jones will likely have a number of suitors in free agency. Still, Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald reports he plans to play despite this.
With free agency looming, Heat’s Derrick Jones Jr. currently plans to participate in the NBA’s restart despite risk https://t.co/aFT0EIsVMo Players have until the end of Wednesday to opt out of participating in the resumption of the season
— Anthony Chiang (@Anthony_Chiang) June 23, 2020
Then, ESPN’s Wojnarowski reported late Tuesday evening that Los Angeles Lakers guard Avery Bradley would also be sitting out. Thus flattening the idea that players on lesser teams don’t have interest, with now someone on a top contender walking away.
This is exactly why Jones’ determination to play out the rest of this season should be a positive takeaway for those fans hoping he remains in Miami beyond this year. The young forward has long personified the Heat Culture, and this is just another of many examples.
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As the COVID-19 case numbers continue to rise, watch for other players to join the aforementioned trio and ultimately sit out the long-awaited end to this season. Just not Derrick Jones Jr, who’s going to continue contributing on both ends of the floor for the Miami Heat.