Since joining the Dallas Mavericks on a two-way contract in early March, Kai Jones has stepped into a pivotal role, helping stabilize a team that has been battling through a wave of injuries to key players.
Throughout 11 appearances – including six starts – Jones has delivered consistent production, averaging 11.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game while showcasing remarkable efficiency, shooting an eye-popping 84.8% from the field.
His contributions have not gone unnoticed, especially with Dallas fighting to secure its spot in the postseason.
Speaking with Grant Afseth of DallasBasketball.com, Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd praised the 24-year-old for his timely emergence and the energy he’s brought to the roster.
“Kai’s been phenomenal,” Kidd said. “We’re very lucky to have him because he’s part of what saved our season.”
Jones’s journey to this point has been anything but linear. After entering the NBA as the 19th overall pick in 2021, his path has been marked by developmental stops and limited opportunities.
But since arriving in Dallas, he’s seized the moment.
In an exclusive conversation with Afseth, the player shed light on the relentless work ethic and personal growth that have fueled his breakout stretch with the Mavericks.
“I’ve been working on everything, from the summertime to now, just working on my all-around game – understanding the game, understanding when to take certain shots, when to shoot three, when to shoot the midrange, when to attack,” Jones explained. “Just continuing to rep everything out. I feel comfortable everywhere on the floor, so it’s been a good opportunity to show that. Just continuing to work every single day, you know how it is.”
His development reflects a deeper understanding of offensive flow and shot selection, areas that often define the difference between short-term fill-ins and long-term contributors.
Now, instead of being a depth piece, Jones has become a key part of Dallas’s rotation, earning trust from the coaching staff and teammates alike.
Jones has spent parts of three NBA seasons with the Charlotte Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, and now the Dallas Mavericks.
For 106 regular-season games, he has averaged 3.5 points and 2.4 rebounds, often serving in a limited role off the bench.
However, his recent stretch with the Mavericks has marked a significant leap in both opportunity and impact, showcasing the growth in his game since entering the league as a first-round pick in 2021.
Western Notes: Jones, Davis, Wolves, Blazers, Cronin https://t.co/YBulr0lZ28 pic.twitter.com/xYEKiTqj6G
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) April 11, 2025
