PHOENIX SUNS

Derrick Jones Jr. accepts NBA Dunk Contest invite; here’s his resume

Feb 2, 2017, 5:24 PM | Updated: 5:54 pm

Derrick Jones Jr. is officially in the 2017 NBA Dunk Contest, and it’s likely NBA fans — heck, even Suns fans — are wondering one thing: “Who?”

The 19-year-old rookie out of UNLV has only played 11 minutes of NBA action in three games as he’s bounced between Phoenix and the D-League’s Northern Arizona Suns. With the D-League squad, the 6-foot-7, 190-pounder is averaging 15 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game.

In the dunk contest, which will take place on Saturday, Feb. 18, he joins last year’s runner-up, Aaron Gordon of the Magic, along with the Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan and the Pacers’ Glenn Robinson III.

But there’s a reason the Suns signed the undrafted rookie, who showed flashes of defensive potential in his one year cut short at UNLV.

He’s also showed highlight-reel dunking abilities in the past few years to warrant his invite to the dunk contest.

Here is one person’s subjective list of his top dunks.

5

It didn’t take long for Jones to make eyes widen. His second dunk in his D-League debut showed that the experienced dunk contest champion knows how to put on a show in games — and over the top of opponents.

4

Here, Jones sneaks along the weakside baseline to grab a rebound over a would-be rebounder who didn’t see him coming.

3

Jones makes a great cut down the middle of the lane as his teammate drives, and even though a defender is seemingly in position to defend a shot, the fact he’s cemented to the floor as Jones gets elevation so quickly makes that a pointless matter.

2

Now we’re in NSFW territory. Jones’ best dunk during his season at UNLV came against a little-known school called New Mexico Highlands University. We know them now … for getting dunked on.

1

And we give you the best in-game Derrick Jones dunk. It’s on top of a contesting defender, off a pretty bad pass (if this weren’t Derrick Jones Jr. we’re talking about), shows his crazy elevation and was finished off with his right hand. He’s a lefty.

Phoenix Suns

Jusuf Nurkic...

Damon Allred

Jusuf Nurkic questionable for Suns’ matchup with Thunder; Bradley Beal no longer listed

The Phoenix Suns are listing center Jusuf Nurkic questionable for a matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday.

14 hours ago

Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets is guarded by Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns during th...

Kellan Olson

Suns respond to season’s low point with thorough win over Nuggets

The guessing game of which Suns team shows up on which night persists. The best current version did on Wednesday in a win over the Nuggets.

1 day ago

Bradley Beal #3 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the second half against the Boston Celtics at T...

David Veenstra

Bradley Beal in, Jusuf Nurkic out for Suns’ matchup with Nuggets

Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal is active for Wednesday's matchup with the Denver Nuggets while center Jusuf Nurkic is out.

2 days ago

Tyler Kolek, Marquette...

Damon Allred

Here’s who Phoenix Suns fans should watch in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16

The Suns' first round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft sits at No. 19 overall, and they could select a star from the NCAA Tournament.

2 days ago

Phoenix Suns take on San Antonio Spurs...

Arizona Sports

O’Neale: Phoenix Suns took Spurs ‘too lightly’ in glaring loss

The Phoenix Suns' lack of effort was on display Monday night against the San Antonio Spurs, leading to an honest film session.

2 days ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Royce O’Neale: Suns took Spurs “a little too lightly”

Phoenix Suns forward Royce O'Neale joined Burns & Gambo to talk about the team's disappointing loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night, and to look ahead at the team's remaining schedule, as they continue to make a push toward the NBA playoffs.

3 days ago

Derrick Jones Jr. accepts NBA Dunk Contest invite; here’s his resume