The Los Angeles Clippers will be led by stars such as Kawhi Leonard and James Harden during the 2025-26 NBA season. Meanwhile, offseason additions such as Chris Paul and Bradley Beal will help matters as well. The Clippers have a true X-factor on the roster, though. Derrick Jones Jr. could make-or-break the team's 2025-26 campaign.
The truth is that part of Jones' performance will come down to head coach Tyronn Lue's decision-making. Rumors have suggested that Jones' role may be limited during the upcoming campaign with players such as John Collins now on the roster. Jones started 55 of the 77 games he appeared in a season ago, recording a career-high 10.1 points per game while shooting 52.6 percent from the field and 35.6 percent from beyond the arc.
Jones took a step forward on the offensive end of the floor, but anyone who has followed his career knows that Jones is a terrific defender. His defensive performance certainly helped the Clippers last season. Jones set a new career-high with 2.6 defensive win shares. His 2.1 offensive win shares was also a career-high, leading a personal best 4.7 overall win shares.
In other words, Derrick Jones Jr. established himself as an X-factor. Why did the Clippers bring in players who may limit Jones' playing time? That is a question for the front office, but Jones should still play enough to make an impact.
Another element of Jones' game that is of the utmost importance for this Clippers team is his ability to stay on the floor. Kawhi Leonard is one of the best players in the sport, but it is no secret that he has dealt with injury concerns in his career. With Jones on the roster, the Clippers will be able to rest Leonard on a more consistent basis, something that should help keep him fresh for the postseason.
Jones appeared in 76 games in 2023-24 and 77 games in 2024-25. He has appeared in at least 60 games in four separate seasons. Jones' recent durability is something that the Clippers have certainly taken notice of.
Between positive impacts on both sides of the ball and an ability to play in a plethora of games, Derrick Jones Jr. is the X-factor for Los Angeles. As long as the Clippers do not limit his playing time too much, Jones could end up being a true difference-maker during the 2025-26 campaign.