In three seasons at Vanderbilt, Jones averaged 13.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.69 blocks and 27.2 minutes in 99 games, garnering first-team All-SEC honors as both a sophomore and junior. He hit 56.6 percent from the field during his collegiate career, the third-best mark in Vanderbilt history, while finishing second on the school's all-time blocks list (167). As a junior in 2015–16, Jones averaged 13.9 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.64 blocks in 33 games, helping Vanderbilt to their first NCAA Tournament berth since 2011–12.[5]
On April 14, 2016, Jones declared for the NBA draft, forgoing his final year of college eligibility.[6]
Professional career
Golden State Warriors (2016–2019)
While working out with the Orlando Magic in the lead up to the draft, Jones suffered a torn pectoral muscle in his right arm, which required surgery.[7] Despite this, Jones was selected by the Golden State Warriors with the 30th overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft.[8] He signed with the Warriors on July 13,[5] and made his NBA debut on December 10 against the Memphis Grizzlies.[9] On February 1, 2017, in his first game for the Warriors at Oracle Arena, Jones scored his first career NBA points in a 126–111 victory over the Charlotte Hornets.[10] He appeared in 10 regular-season games and four playoff games during the 2016–17 season.[11] The Warriors won the 2017 NBA Finals after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in five games. The Warriors finished the playoffs with a 16–1 record, the best postseason winning percentage in NBA history.[12]
The 2017–18 season saw Jones appear in 15 regular-season games and four playoff games,[13] as the Warriors returned to the NBA Finals, where they won their second straight championship over the Cavaliers in a four-game sweep. During his first two seasons, Jones received multiple assignments to the Santa Cruz Warriors, Golden State's G League affiliate.[14]
Jones became the starting center for the Warriors in 2018–19, starting in 22 of the Warriors' first 24 games.[15] On December 1, 2018, he suffered a torn left pectoral muscle in a 111–102 loss to the Detroit Pistons.[16][17] He initially was ruled out for the season after undergoing surgery to repair the muscle.[18][19] Jones returned to action during the Western Conference Finals.[20] The Warriors went on to reach the 2019 NBA Finals, where they lost to the Toronto Raptors in six games.[21]
Atlanta Hawks (2019–2020)
On July 8, 2019, Jones and with a 2026 second-round pick were traded to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Omari Spellman.[22]
Phoenix Suns (2020–2021)
On November 30, 2020, Jones signed a two-year deal with the Phoenix Suns.[23] In 14 games, he averaged 1.6 points and 1.3 rebounds per game.
On February 23, 2021, Jones was waived by the Suns.[24]
Los Angeles Lakers (2021)
On February 26, 2021, Jones signed a 10-day contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.[25] On March 11, the Lakers signed him to another 10-day contract.[26]
Sacramento Kings (2021–2022)
On April 7, 2021, Jones signed a 10-day contract with the Sacramento Kings.[27] He signed a second one 10 days later.[28] On April 28, Jones signed a multi-year deal with the Kings after appearing in six games, including two starts.[29]
On February 9, 2023, Jones was traded to the Utah Jazz in a three-team trade involving the Minnesota Timberwolves.[31] He made his Jazz debut on February 15, recording seven points, two rebounds and two blocks in a 117–111 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.[32]
On June 20, 2023, Jones exercised his $2.59 million player option to return to the Jazz for the 2023–24 season.[33]
^Slater, Anthony (December 2, 2018). "After Damian Jones' pectoral tear, will the Warriors add another center?". The Athletic. Retrieved December 4, 2018. After two years developing in the G League, away from the spotlight, the Warriors put him on center stage, starting him in 22 of the first 24 games.
.jpg)
