Mark Daigneault reflects on Dillon Jones' first NBA start against Sixers

Mar 19, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Dillon Jones (3) passes against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

As both the Oklahoma City Thunder and Philadelphia 76ers sat out starters for different reasons, the former's 133-100 win featured several bench players who stood out. Beyond Jaylin Williams' triple-double and Aaron Wiggins' 26 points, Dillon Jones made his first career start.

Jones has had a quiet rookie season. He's spent more time on the G League's OKC Blue. The 23-year-old has spent the year developing in the background as he jumps from small-school Weber State to the NBA.

Against the Sixers, Jones finished with 11 points on 3-of-7 shooting, five rebounds and five assists. He shot 2-of-6 from 3 and went 3-of-4 on free throws.

Playing alongside Branden Carlson, Adam Flagler and Alex Ducas, there was some rapport to rely on against the depleted Sixers that stemmed from their time together this season in the G League. Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault was impressed.

"His work showed up. He's put a lot of work in. A lot of invisible work. He's obviously been in and out of the rotation. He's gone to the Blue and the Thunder. That takes a lot of work. It's a lot of extra time, a lot of film work, a lot of reflection," Daigneault said. "It's a lot of Blue games where there's a thousand fans at. He went out there and functioned really well. He's improved his defensive fundamentals. He's become more of a system cog on offense and I thought he was very stable tonight."

Because of the Thunder's situation as a title contender with rich depth, Jones isn't afforded the same hands-on learning experience as previous OKC rookies during its rebuild. Instead, working on his craft at the Blue with the occasional NBA minutes is the next best thing for him.

Jones' development will be an interesting storyline to follow. The Thunder envision him as a point-forward who can keep the ball moving and hit on his open shots. If he can carve out a role like that, he can be a valuable depth piece on a cost-control deal over the next several seasons.

This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Mark Daigneault reflects on Dillon Jones' first NBA start vs. Sixers

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