The Dallas Mavericks are on a mission-and it’s not just about climbing the Western Conference standings. It’s about building something unique, something that’s turning heads across the league: a roster that looks like it was pulled straight from Coach K’s old playbook.
Just days after sending Anthony Davis to the Wizards in a blockbuster deal that brought back Marvin Bagley III and a haul of draft picks, Dallas stayed aggressive. Their latest move? Shipping Malaki Branham to Orlando in exchange for veteran guard Tyus Jones-yet another former Duke standout.
The Duke Connection Runs Deep in Dallas
With the addition of Jones, the Mavericks now have five former Blue Devils on the roster, and it’s no stretch to imagine a starting five made entirely of Duke alumni:
- Kyrie Irving, guard
- Tyus Jones, guard
- Cooper Flagg, forward
- Marvin Bagley III, forward
- Dereck Lively II, center
That’s not just a fun trivia fact-it’s a legitimate rotation with real upside and chemistry potential, especially given the shared basketball IQ and style that often comes out of Durham.
What Tyus Jones Brings to the Table
Jones isn’t a flashy name, but he’s the kind of steady presence that can elevate a second unit-or step in as a starter when needed. He’s been in the league for over a decade, carving out a reputation as one of the most reliable backup point guards in the NBA. His journey has taken him from Minnesota to Washington, Phoenix, and most recently, Orlando, where he appeared in 48 games this season.
Back in college, Jones was the floor general for Duke’s 2015 NCAA Championship team, averaging 11.8 points, 5.6 assists, and 3.5 boards per game. He was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four, and his poise in clutch moments helped solidify his status as a first-round pick that year.
In the NBA, he’s averaged 7.4 points, 4.3 assists, and a steal per game over his career. This season, his numbers have dipped-3.0 points, 2.4 assists, and 1.1 rebounds per game-but his value goes beyond the box score. He’s a low-turnover, high-IQ guard who keeps the offense humming, and that’s exactly the kind of player Dallas has been eyeing for some time.
A Blueprint Taking Shape
The Mavericks aren’t just collecting Duke players for the sake of nostalgia. There’s a method here. Each of these guys brings something different to the table: Kyrie’s elite shot creation, Flagg’s two-way potential, Bagley’s interior scoring, Lively’s rim protection, and now Jones’ steady hand at point.
It’s also worth noting that these players come from a system that emphasizes discipline, spacing, and team-first basketball. That kind of shared foundation can pay off in subtle but important ways-especially when the playoffs roll around and every possession matters.
The Bottom Line
Dallas is building a roster with a clear identity, and whether you’re a Mavs fan or a Duke loyalist, it’s hard not to be intrigued. They’ve added veteran leadership, young talent, and a surprising amount of cohesion in a short span of time.
With Tyus Jones now in the mix, the Mavericks aren’t just making moves-they’re making a statement. And if you bleed Duke blue, there’s no question where your NBA allegiance should lie right now.