It can be pretty challenging for any NBA player to stay prepared to play night after night, especially when you’re not part of the regular rotation. Former slam dunk champion Derrick Jones Jr. knows what that feels like. Yet, there he was, playing crucial minutes and coming up with the biggest play of the game to secure the Chicago Bulls a thrilling 109-105 double-overtime win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night.
Jones credits veteran forward Udonis Haslem for helping him develop a mentality that allows him to stay ready, regardless of whether he’ll play big minutes or not.
Everyone needs a vet
While some have criticized Haslem for staying on the Miami Heat roster for far too long without contributing anything on the court—the Florida product has played in just 24 games in the last four seasons—the wisdom he passes on to the youngsters has proven invaluable.
The list of NBA players Haslem has mentored is long and it includes Jones, who played with Haslem for three seasons.
Before Monday’s game, Jones barely played a total of seven minutes in the previous three games. While some may pout at the lack of playing time, Jones kept his head on straight and stayed ready.
“I just stay ready, so I don’t have to get ready whenever my number is called,” said Jones. “I get out and give it everything I’ve got. It’s just plain and simple. When I was a young kid in this league Udonis Haslem always told me, ‘Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.’ That’s one thing I do. I’m ready to play and give it 110 percent.”
Defense will be the Bulls’ calling card
Although the Bulls’ offense is getting better over the last few weeks, Jones knows what the team is best at - playing defense. And as the regular season nears its end, Jones says their brand of defense will ultimately carry them into the postseason.
“We’ve just got to be very disruptive on defense and whatever we can to make it tougher on them,” Jones added. “Just get the ball back a lot faster so we can go score on the other end. That’s the name of the game.”
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