High-flying forward Derrick Jones Jr. is convinced he and the Chicago Bulls can accomplish something special this season, which is why he chose to re-sign with the team as they try to move up to elite status in the Eastern Conference.
Unfinished business
The former Slam Dunk champ was not the Bulls' first or second choice in free agency. They initially pursued offensive-minded forwards Danilo Gallinari and TJ Warren, but when the two decided to sign elsewhere, Jones Jr. was the 'Plan B' target. Still, he's not complaining because he believes this is the situation he's supposed to be in and that the Bulls are a perfect fit for his style of play.
Jones Jr. shared that one call from head coach Billy Donovan was all it took to get him on board.
"I'm happy. Once me and coach had a conversation on the phone, it was a no-brainer. I was coming back. I felt like we left a lot on the table last year and I wanted to come back and see if we could have another run at it," said Jones Jr.
While he may be undersized at just 6-foot-5, Jones Jr. more than makes up for it with his 7-foot wingspan and athleticism. He's also a solid defender and an excellent finisher around the basket, which the Bulls need more of.
"He told me just to be me, be physical in the paint, get downhill as much as I can, take the shots that I get and just be aggressive," added Jones Jr.
Looking ahead
With Patrick Williams healthy and also looking to entrench himself at the power forward position, it appears Jones Jr. will initially come off the bench. As far as their first preseason game against the New Orleans Pelicans went, Jones Jr. was nearly non-existent, scoring just two points and grabbing a rebound. Still, it won't deter him from trying to make a positive impact, especially on the defensive end.
"Always playing defense and being a pest defensively. Getting steals and getting blocks. Keeping my man in front of me and make it a tough night for the other offense. Just being me. Being aggressive and playing my game."
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