With Joel Embiid representing the Philadelphia 76ers and the USA in Paris, bringing home the gold in his Olympics debut, this offseason had raced by for Sixers fans. Between drafting Jared McCain and Adem Bona, signing Paul George, and Embiid’s dominant showing against Nikola Jokic and Serbia, there’s been virtually non-stop action and thrills for Philly this summer.
As such, fans can be forgiven for not realizing that their team also added two undrafted rookie free agents this offseason: Philly native Justin Edwards out of Kentucky and collegiate journeyman David Jones.
Jones, who signed a two-way contract with the Sixers, is coming off a stellar senior season at Memphis, where he averaged 21.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game. His journey to the NBA has been anything but traditional, but it’s precisely this winding path that has shaped him into a player worth watching and rooting for.
Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Jones began his basketball journey representing his country in youth FIBA tournaments before moving to the U.S. to play high school ball at Teays Valley Christian School in West Virginia.
His collegiate career started at DePaul, where he showed flashes of his potential, particularly in his sophomore season when he averaged 14.5 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. His next stop was St. John’s, where he continued to showcase his scoring ability, and finally, Memphis, where he truly found his stride and landed on NBA radars.
Jones’ senior season at Memphis was a revelation. He not only led his team in scoring but also established himself as one of the top offensive talents in the country, finishing with the sixth-highest scoring average in the entire NCAA.
Perhaps more importantly, his outside shooting stroke also took a significant leap forward, with Jones connecting on 38 percent of his three-point attempts — a marked improvement from his first three seasons. This newfound consistency from beyond the arc, combined with his ability to score inside, made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Despite his impressive stats and accolades — including a First Team All-AAC nod and a finalist nomination for the 2024 Julius Erving Small Forward of the Year award — Jones did not hear his name called on either draft day, a testament to how deep the incoming talent in the NBA is nowadays.
However, the Sixers saw something in Jones that others may have overlooked, and they quickly scooped him up on a two-way contract. His performance in the NBA Summer League, including a standout 23-point game against the Boston Celtics, only reinforced their belief in his potential.
David Jones Scouting Report
Jones’ game is built on a foundation of athleticism, versatility, and a relentless motor. At 6’6” with a solid 211-pound frame, he’s built to handle the physicality of the NBA. His quick first step allows him to blow by defenders, while his improved shooting forces them to respect him from the perimeter.
Offensively, Jones has shown he can score at all three levels, whether it’s creating his own shot, finishing at the rim, or knocking down spot-up threes. His ability to adapt his game to different situations makes him a valuable asset, especially in today’s NBA, where versatility is key.
Defensively, Jones has the tools to be a disruptive force. His 2.2 steals per game at Memphis highlight his knack for playing the passing lanes and creating turnovers. While he’s still refining his decision-making and defensive discipline — he has a tendency to gamble at times — his potential on that end of the floor is undeniable. With the right coaching and development, Jones could become a reliable defender who can guard multiple positions.
One of the most exciting aspects of Jones’ game is his rebounding ability. Despite being listed as a wing, he’s a tenacious rebounder, using his athleticism and timing to pull down boards over bigger players. This skill not only helps him contribute in multiple facets of the game but also adds a level of toughness and grit that coaches and Philly fans will adore.
Of course, like any rookie, Jones has areas that will need improvement. His decision-making can be inconsistent, particularly when it comes to his shot selection and defensive choices. He’s also been criticized for his off-ball movement, at times becoming too stationary when the play isn’t running through him. These are areas that will need to be addressed as he transitions to the NBA, but they’re far from insurmountable challenges.
For the Sixers, Jones represents a low-risk, high-reward prospect. His combination of scoring ability, athleticism, and potential on both ends of the floor make him an exciting addition to the roster. He’ll likely spend more time with the Delaware Bluecoats than the contending Sixers for the first few campaigns of his career, but Jones is a prospect worth watching in the G-League. Don’t be surprised if he carves out a niche for himself on the varsity team someday.
