Derrick Labrent Jones Jr., the dynamic professional basketball player for the NBA’s Chicago Bulls, has left an indelible mark on the court with his exceptional skills and athleticism. Before donning the Chicago Bulls jersey, he showcased his talents during his collegiate basketball stint with the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels and later became a prominent figure in the NBA.

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Quick Facts

Full Name	Derrick Labrent Jones Jr.
Birth Date	February 15, 1997
Birth Place	Chester, Pennsylvania
Nick Name	Jones
Religion	Christianity
Nationality	American
Ethnicity	African American
High School	Archbishop John Carroll (Radnor, Pennsylvania)
College	University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Playing Career	2016–present
Zodiac	Pisces
Chinese Zodiac	Ox
Father’s Name	Derrick Jones Sr.
Mother’s Name	Otiesse Jones
Siblings	One brother (Lakeem Johnson) and Two sisters (Dej’sha Jones and On’Jesha Jones)
Age	26 years old
Height	6 feet 6 inches
Weight	95 kg
NBA Debut	November 19, 2016
Shoots	Left
Tattoos	Yes
Food Habits	Non-vegetarian
NBA Draft	Undrafted
Hair Color	Black
Eye Color	Black
Career Highlights and Awards	NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (2020) Mr. Pennsylvania Basketball (2015)
Build	Athletic
Children	Two
Wife	Shakara
Jersey Number	5
Position	Small Forward and Power Forward
Profession	Basketball Player
League	NBA
Net Worth	$1-$5 million
Salary	$9,258,000
Social Media	Instagram, Twitter
Merch	Cards

Derrick Jones High School Career

Derrick’s senior year at Archbishop John Carroll High School was stellar. He earned multiple accolades, including the Delaware County Player and Southeastern Pennsylvania Player of the Year. His exceptional performance on the court, including a remarkable 30-point, 18-rebound, and five-block game in the state tournament, solidified his status as a top-tier high school player. 

Derrick Jones College Recruitment and Career

Derrick’s talent didn’t go unnoticed, earning him a 4/5 star rating from recruiting platforms like Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN. He decided to join the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels for his freshman season in the 2015–2016 NCAA season. Despite facing a brief setback with the NCAA investigating his test scores, Derrick emerged as the second-leading scorer for the Runnin’ Rebels, showcasing his scoring prowess and versatility. 

Unfortunately, his college journey took an unexpected turn when, on February 29, 2016, the ACT testing service notified UNLV that his scores had been canceled, rendering him ineligible to compete for the remaining three games of the season.

Professional Career

Phoenix Suns (2016–2017)

Determined to pursue his dream, Derrick declared for the 2016 NBA draft, going undrafted but catching the attention of the Phoenix Suns during training camp. Despite spending time in the NBA Development League, Derrick’s perseverance paid off as he made his NBA debut and participated in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. His performances, including a career-high 15 points against the Dallas Mavericks, showcased his potential.

Miami Heat (2017–2020)

Jones’ journey continued with the Miami Heat, where he signed a two-way contract in December 2017. His ability to contribute on both ends of the floor earned him a standard contract in 2018. Derrick secured victory in the Slam Dunk Contest during the 2020 NBA All-Star Weekend, adding another feather to his cap.

Portland Trail Blazers (2020–2021)

In 2020, Jones embraced a new chapter, signing a lucrative 2-year, $19 million contract with the Portland Trail Blazers. His time with the Blazers further solidified his reputation as a valuable asset in the league.

Chicago Bulls (2021–2023)

Jones’ journey took another turn in 2021 when the Chicago Bulls acquired him in a three-team sign-and-trade. Unfortunately, his stint with the Bulls was marred by injuries, including a right knee injury and a fractured right index finger. Despite these setbacks, his resilience shone through as he re-signed with the Bulls in 2022.

Free Agency and Dallas Mavericks (2023–present)

Opting for free agency in 2023, Derrick made a strategic move by signing with the Dallas Mavericks on August 18, 2023. His debut for the Mavericks showcased his ability to impact the court, contributing to a 126–119 win over the Spurs on October 25, 2023.

Player Profile

Known for his towering height and athleticism, Derrick Jones Jr. stands at 6 feet 6 inches and possesses a remarkable 7-foot wingspan. His defensive prowess is evident as he disrupts shooters and deflects passes with finesse. Jones is not just a defensive asset; his agility and length contribute to delivering awe-inspiring block shots, making him a force to be reckoned with on the court.

In addition to his defensive skills, Jones has established himself as a top-tier offensive rebounder, utilizing his height advantage and quick reflexes to secure crucial second-chance opportunities for his team. His ability to cover ground swiftly on defense has also played a pivotal role in strategically implementing zone-based strategies in various game scenarios.

Early Life and Family

Raised and Born on February 15, 1997, in Chester, Pennsylvania, Derrick Labrent Jones Jr. grew up surrounded by the support of his family. His father, Derrick Jones Sr., and mother, Otiesse Jones, provided a strong foundation for his journey in basketball. Derrick has a brother named Lakeem Johnson and two sisters, Dej’sha Jones and On’Jesha Jones.

Jones went to Archbishop John Carroll High School in Radnor, Pennsylvania, where he honed his basketball skills before taking his talents to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, for further education.

Derrick Jones: Slam Dunk Contest Victory and On-Court Excellence

Jones showcased his exceptional dunking abilities during the 2020 NBA All-Star Weekend Slam Dunk Contest. In a memorable showdown against Aaron Gordon, Jones emerged victorious by scoring a 48 after taking off just past the free-throw line to complete a windmill dunk. This victory solidified Jones as one of the league’s top dunkers.

His on-court performances, marked by high-flying dunks and defensive prowess, have earned him acclaim among basketball enthusiasts. Derrick Jones Jr. continues evolving as a critical player in the NBA, contributing offensively and defensively to his team’s success.

Personal Life and Tattoos

Beyond the basketball court, Derrick Jones Jr. shares insights into his personal life. Born in 1997, he is 26 and falls under the Pisces zodiac sign. He is known for loyalty, determination, and compassion—traits that resonate with Jones’ character.

Jones’ body is a canvas for meaningful tattoos, reflecting his beliefs and experiences. Notably, he has a dove tattoo with the words “In Memory OF My Fallen Brother,” symbolizing a tribute to a significant person. Other tattoos include images of praying hands, wings, and phrases like “Truly Blessed.”

Relationship and Family Life

In the realm of family, Derrick Jones Jr. shares a loving relationship with his girlfriend, Shakara. While not officially married, they have lived together for nearly seven years in Chester, Pennsylvania. Shakara, a model and social media influencer, adds vibrancy to Jones’ personal life.

The couple is proud parents to two adorable children, Prince and Roman. Their journey as a family is evident through Jones’ social media posts, where he expresses gratitude and love for Shakara as the mother of his children.

Fitness Routine and Diet

A rigorous fitness routine and a disciplined diet complement Jones’ on-court excellence. His workout regimen includes stretching, jogging drills, form shooting, and weight training. The focus on calves, core, legs, and glutes contributes to his remarkable vertical leaps and explosive plays.

In terms of diet, Jones prioritizes hydration, protein-rich foods, and balanced meals. A protein drink kicks off his training sessions, followed by multiple meals featuring chicken, turkey, salmon, oats, and salads throughout the day.

Social Media Presence

Jones embraces the digital age and maintains an active presence on social media platforms. With 436k followers on Instagram and 33.1k followers on Twitter (as of April 2022), he connects with fans, sharing glimpses of his basketball journey, family life, and personal milestones.

Net Worth and Endorsements

Beyond the basketball court, Jones has ventured into endorsements and sponsorship deals. Following his Slam Dunk Contest victory, he secured a multi-year footwear and apparel sponsorship contract with Puma.

With an estimated net worth ranging between $1 million and $5 million, Jones has earned considerable income from his basketball career and various partnerships. His earnings include a base salary of $9,720,900 for the 2021-22 season with the Chicago Bulls, reflecting his value as a skilled and marketable athlete in the NBA.

Derrick Jones Jr Girlfriend Shakara Pritchett: Personal Life and Career

Derrick Jones Jr., the high-flying forward for the Dallas Mavericks, recently made headlines not just for his on-court prowess but for a significant off-court moment—his proposal to long-time girlfriend Shakara Pritchett. As the couple embarks on a new chapter, let’s delve into the details of Shakara’s life.

Background and Early Life

Originally from Ohio, Shakara Pritchett had her roots in Euclid. Her journey into the spotlight began during high school at Euclid High School, where she shone brightly in track and field. While specifics about her track and field achievements remain relatively low-key, it’s evident that Shakara’s athleticism and determination were early indicators of her exceptional qualities.

Meeting Derrick Jones Jr.

The story of Shakara and Derrick’s connection traces back to Cleveland, where they crossed paths shortly after Shakara’s graduation. Derrick Jones Jr. was gearing up for the NBA Draft at the time, and their lives intersected in a serendipitous encounter. Little did they know that this meeting would begin a profound and enduring relationship.

Seven Years Together

Derrick Jones Jr. and Shakara Pritchett have built a life together over seven years, navigating the challenges and joys of life as a couple. Their bond has endured the pressures of Jones Jr.’s professional basketball career and flourished, culminating in a beautiful family with two sons born in 2018 and 2019.

The Proposal in Paris

Derrick Jones Jr.’s romantic proposal occurred in the enchanting city of Paris, France, where the couple found themselves ahead of a game against the Detroit Pistons. Jones Jr. had been planning the proposal for a while, recognizing the unique charm and beauty of the city as the perfect backdrop for a significant moment in their journey. Speaking about the decision, he expressed his admiration for Paris, emphasizing its romantic ambiance and the motivation it provided for the heartfelt proposal.

Life Beyond the Limelight

While Derrick Jones Jr. commands attention on the basketball court, Shakara Pritchett’s life beyond the limelight remains relatively private. The details of her professional pursuits are not extensively documented, allowing her to maintain a semblance of privacy amidst the public nature of Jones Jr.’s career.

As the couple embarks on this new chapter with the promise of marriage, fans are eager to catch glimpses of Shakara’s life and the continued growth of their family. Despite the challenges and demands of the NBA lifestyle, Derrick Jones Jr. and Shakara Pritchett’s love story is a testament to enduring love, commitment, and the beauty of life beyond the basketball court.