The Nuggets headed to Vegas in need of a reliable defender who could guard the perimeter, attack the basket and hit an open jumper. Fortunately for them, lady luck delivered Dahntay Jones. The former 2003 first-round draft pick has had an up-and-down journey throughout his NBA career, but his resiliency, defensive tenacity and explosiveness stood out at the NBA Summer League in Vegas.
Just ten months removed from a short stint in the NBA Development League, the 6’6” guard is now a starter for one of the premier teams in the Western Conference. Averaging just less than 20 minutes per game, Jones has started all but two games for the Nuggets midway through this NBA season. Jones’ physicality and defensive determination have proven to be an invaluable spark for the Nuggets.
The former Blue Devil is consistently lauded for his ability to set the tone defensively for Denver. Said Nuggets head coach George Karl, “Everybody knows that Dahntay’s our 15- to 20-minute defensive angry guy that we’re going to sic on somebody most nights. Everybody seems to be excited about it. There’s a defensive focus early in the games that we have not had in the past.”
The New Jersey native embraces his role as the team’s defensive specialist, a familiar mentality for the two-time All-ACC Defensive Team honoree. “My role is to be defensive minded. Defense is something I take pride in.” Dahntay’s defensive intensity and stunning athleticism have helped the Nuggets into first place in the Northwest Division.
On the offensive end, Jones has chipped in 6.1 PPG while shooting over 45 percent from the field and converting multiple highlight-reel dunks. The former NCAA All-American has scored in double-digits in over a quarter of his games, but is more focused on defense and the intangibles. “You have to have somebody do some intangibles — cut, rebound, defend, not worry about where my next shot’s coming from,” said Jones. “Those are things I naturally do.” Enhancing Denver’s offensive attack with his explosive drives and his unselfishness, the Nuggets’ guard has left his mark on an offense already loaded with the talents of Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Nene and Kenyon Martin.
The combination of Dahntay’s dogged defense and overall determination has inspired his talented teammates. “Having a low-maintenance offensive player with the starters is a good thing,” Karl said of his starting guard. “There’s a courage to him that players like to play with. He’s not afraid of anybody, anything, any assignment.” As Duke fans know, Jones has always brought an attitude and an edge on the court. During his senior year, the former number 30 stated, “I’m not going to back down on any play,” he said. “I’ll fight for everything. I’m not going to get pushed around.” Matching up against opposing teams’ best players, such as Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, and Manu Ginobili, Jones shows no fear, an infectious mentality that has rubbed off on the team with the third-best record in the Western Conference.
Dahntay Jones’ ten-month journey from the NBA Development League to his nightly starting role in a Nuggets jersey is certainly an inspiring tale of dedication, hard work, and resourcefulness. With his resolute attitude and defensive dexterity now earning recognition at the highest level, Jones has proven to be a valuable contributor on one of the league’s top teams. It goes to show that sometimes, even in Vegas, you can create your own luck.
