Real Madrid FC’s basketball squad just inked free agent center Damian Jones to a one-year deal earlier this week, an absolutely massive move for the big man as he takes his talents to one of Europe’s most prestigious clubs. This isn’t just any signing; it’s a huge next step for a player who’s already got two NBA championship rings on his resume and has been grinding hard to keep his pro career alive.
From Dubs Glory to the Journeyman Grind
Jones’s NBA journey started with some serious fanfare back in 2016, getting drafted by the Golden State Warriors with the very last pick in the first round. Think about that for a second: a first-round pick, landing with a dynasty. And you know what? He snagged two NBA titles in his three seasons with the Dubs! Talk about starting your career at the top. But here’s the kicker, even with that championship pedigree, Jones really struggled to lock down a consistent spot in the team’s rotation. It’s wild to think, a two-time champ battling for minutes. Then came the twist: in his third year, he actually broke into the starting lineup, only to get slammed with a torn pectoral injury that basically wiped out most of his season. That’s rough, and it kind of set the stage for the rest of his NBA run. He went on to play for seven different teams over the next five seasons, even suiting up for three clubs in the wild 2020-21 season. That’s the definition of a journeyman, right there. Over 279 games, he averaged 4.9 points and 3.1 rebounds in 13.6 minutes. Solid numbers, but a tough road.
Europe Calls After Stops Overseas
After eight seasons in the NBA, from 2016-2024, Jones found himself unable to return to the league. But did he quit? Nope! He kept balling out. For the past two years, he was primarily over in China, playing with the Zhejian Golden Bulls, and he even had a stint with the Vaqueros de Bayamon down in Puerto Rico. What a global tour! And talk about player development, too. He was originally seen as just a rim runner, a traditional big man who lives in the paint. But somewhere along the way, Jones developed some outside touch, even occasionally able to knock down a three-pointer. That kind of evolution is huge for a big man in today’s game, showing his dedication to growing his skill set.
Now, with this one-year deal for Real Madrid, Jones gets another incredible opportunity on a massive stage. It’s a chance to solidify his place in the basketball world and show off all that experience and skill he’s picked up, from NBA champ to globe-trotting pro. You know he’s going to bring that veteran grind to Spain!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Golden State of Mind.
Leave a Reply