Derrick Jones Jr Biography Derrick Labrent Jones Jr. born February 15, 1997 is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA. He played college basketball for the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels and is famously known by his nickname “Airplane Mode” due to his exceptional dunking skills.
Derrick Jones Jr Biography
Derrick Labrent Jones Jr., born on February 15, 1997, in Chester, Pennsylvania, is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA. Known for his incredible leaping ability and spectacular dunks, Jones stands at 6 feet 6 inches and weighs 210 pounds, primarily playing as a small forward and power forward.
Derrick Jones Jr Biography Details
| Born | February 15, 1997 (age 27) Chester, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Listed height | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) |
| Listed weight | 210 lb (95 kg) |
| High school | Archbishop John Carroll (Radnor, Pennsylvania) |
| College | UNLV (2015–2016) |
| NBA draft | 2016: undrafted |
| Playing career | 2016–present |
| Category | Football Biographies |
About Derrick Jones Jr
Derrick Labrent Jones Jr. is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Clippers of the National Basketball Association. He played college basketball for the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels. He is nicknamed “Airplane Mode” because of his dunking ability.
- Born: 15 February 1997 (age 27 years), Chester, Pennsylvania, United States
- Current team: LA Clippers (#55 / Power forward, Small forward)
- Wingspan: 13 m
- Height: 98 m
- Dates joined: 2024 (LA Clippers), 2023 (Dallas Mavericks) · See more
- Education: University of Nevada, Las Vegas (2015–2016), Archbishop John Carroll High School
- Salary: 2 lakhs USD (2025)
High school career
In high school, Jones had an impressive senior year at Archbishop John Carroll High School in 2014-15. He was named the Southeastern Pennsylvania Player of the Year, Delaware County Player of the Year, PIAA Triple-A Player of the Year, and earned a spot on the first-team All-Catholic League. Under coach Paul Romanczuk, his team finished with a 23–7 record, including a 12–3 mark in conference play. In the state tournament semifinals, Jones put up 30 points, 18 rebounds, and five blocks. Over the course of his high school career, he scored 1,645 points, grabbed 1,029 rebounds, and blocked 268 shots, making him the all-time leading scorer in school history.
Personal Details
- Full Name: Derrick Labrent Jones Jr.
- Date of Birth: February 15, 1997
- Place of Birth: Chester, Pennsylvania, U.S.
- Nationality: American
- Height: 6 ft 6 in (198 cm)
- Weight: 210 lbs (95 kg)
- Position: Small Forward / Power Forward
- Current Team: Los Angeles Clippers
- Jersey Number: 55
Early Life and Family Background
Jones grew up in Chester, Pennsylvania, and attended Archbishop John Carroll High School. During his senior year, he received several prestigious awards, including Southeastern Pennsylvania Player of the Year and Delaware County Player of the Year. His high school career saw impressive averages of 19.2 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game, culminating in him becoming the school’s all-time leading scorer with 1,645 points.
Jones comes from a close-knit family, with one brother and two sisters. In January 2023, he became engaged to his girlfriend during a trip to Paris with the Chicago Bulls, marking a significant personal milestone.
Education
After high school, Jones attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) during the 2015–2016 academic year. As a freshman, he averaged 11.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, showing his promise as a versatile forward. However, eligibility issues led to him declaring for the NBA Draft in 2016, cutting his college career short.
Career Beginnings and Key Milestones
Jones went undrafted in the 2016 NBA Draft but soon signed with the Phoenix Suns as a free agent. He spent time with their G League affiliate, the Northern Arizona Suns, before making his NBA debut during the 2016–2017 season. Over his career, Jones has played for several NBA teams, including the Phoenix Suns, Miami Heat, Portland Trail Blazers, Chicago Bulls, and Dallas Mavericks. In 2024, he joined the Los Angeles Clippers, where he aims to strengthen their defense.
Notable Works and Achievements
Jones is widely recognized for his dunking ability, earning the nickname “Airplane Mode.” He won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 2020, a testament to his athleticism and creativity on the court. Additionally, he was named Mr. Pennsylvania Basketball in 2015 for his outstanding high school career.
Current Relevance and Recent Updates
As of January 2025, Jones is still a member of the Los Angeles Clippers, contributing both his athleticism and defensive skills to the team’s success. His engagement in January 2023 also attracted media attention, further elevating his public profile.
Personal Life and Relationships
Jones tends to keep his personal life private but has been open about his engagement in Paris, which was a significant life event. He has the support of his family, including his one brother and two sisters, who have been with him throughout his career.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- Jones finished as the all-time leading scorer at Archbishop John Carroll High School, with 1,645 points.
- His “Airplane Mode” nickname stems from his incredible dunking skills.
- Despite going undrafted, Jones has built a successful career in the NBA, playing for various teams and earning accolades.
- His engagement during a 2023 trip to Paris was a major personal milestone.
Charitable Work and Legacy
While specific details about his philanthropic efforts are not widely available, Derrick’s journey from an undrafted player to an NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion has inspired many young athletes. His perseverance and dedication to his craft serve as a valuable lesson in overcoming obstacles.
Future Plans and Impact on Culture
As Jones continues his career with the Los Angeles Clippers, he remains an exciting player to watch. His high-flying dunks and solid defense contribute to the dynamic nature of the NBA. With his continued success, Jones is expected to leave a lasting impact on the sport and culture of basketball. His fan base is growing due to his exciting performances and grounded personality, and he’s likely to influence the game for years to come.
Derrick Jones Jr.’s story is one of resilience, talent, and unwavering commitment. His ability to overcome challenges and prove himself in the NBA, despite being undrafted, makes him a role model for aspiring athletes. His contributions on the court and his engagement with fans both highlight his significant place in the basketball world.
Derrick Jones Jr Net Worth 2025
Derrick Jones Jr.’s estimated net worth is around $2 million. His wealth comes primarily from his NBA contracts, endorsement deals, and public appearances. While specific details about his assets, such as his real estate or vehicle collection, remain undisclosed, his financial success reflects a prosperous career in professional basketball.