SO SAD : Dallas Mavericks Executive’s Blunt Statement on Derrick Jones Jr. Leaving to Clippers

Dallas Mavericks GM Nico Harrison spoke about Derrick Jones Jr. No one expected Derrick Jones Jr. to leave the Dallas Mavericks for the LA Clippers this season, not even Mavericks GM Nico Harrison. During an interview with Mike Curtis of the Dallas Morning News, Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison broke his silence on Derrick Jones Jr. leaving for the Clippers. Nico was surprised about Derrick’s departure, but getting Naji Marshall replaced that feeling with excitement. Here is the exact excerpt from Mike Curtis’ article.

“Yeah,” Harrison responded in astonishment. “But, honestly, we have Naji, and I am excited about him. I did say [Jones] was 1A and 1B, so that’s how we approached it. That is how we approached him throughout the year, with respect, love, and play with our boys. He deserved it too, but he made his own decision. “And we have Naji.”

The most unexpected aspect of Harrison’s comments is that they prioritized Derrick Jones Jr. as a 1A and 1B, yet he still chose to leave for the Clippers. The Dallas Mavericks general manager couldn’t explain why, but he did sum it up simply. “Honestly, it’s a better question for him to answer,” Harrison explained. “I don’t know. I believe he preferred LA over Dallas.”

"I'm guarding the best player every night. That's one thing I take pride in." -Derrick Jones Jr. pic.twitter.com/ffsyImVcLg

— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) July 15, 2024

 

While the Dallas Mavericks will miss Derrick Jones Jr., Naji Marshall is a great replacement. The Clippers, on the other hand, will love having Derrick Jones Jr. join Ivica Zubac and Kawhi Leonard to form a formidable defensive combination.