Undrafted and overlooked, Derrick Jones Jr.’s journey to NBA relevance is the stuff of underdog legend. Coming out of UNLV, he wasn’t picked in the draft–but that didn’t stop him. Instead of fading away, he worked harder, pushed through setbacks, and kept showing up. He earned himself a training contract with the Suns, and the rest, they say, is history!
For most, getting drafted is the dream. For Jones, it was about proving you belong, even when others doubt you. He embraced every challenge, turned every snub into fuel, and step by step, made his mark in the league.
Now in his eighth NBA season and suiting up for the Clippers, Derrick Jones Jr. has embraced his role as a crucial spark off the bench. This season, he posted 10.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game–stats that reflect his steady impact. But beyond the numbers, it’s his hustle, elite athleticism, and relentless motor that make him indispensable to a team with championship aspirations.
Through all the ups and downs of his basketball journey, Derrick Jones Jr. has had one constant by his side—his wife, Shakara Pritchett. From the tough days of fighting for a spot in the league to the big moments on the NBA stage, Shakara has been there through it all. As the Clippers battle the Nuggets in the 2025 Playoffs, it’s only fitting to take a closer look at the unwavering support system behind the UNLV star.
Who is Derrick Jones Jr’s wife, Shakara Pritchett? When did they get married?
Derrick Jones Jr. and Shakara Pritchett officially tied the knot in September 2023. But before the wedding came a magical proposal–one that felt straight out of a movie. Back then, DJJ was with the Chicago Bulls. In January, during a team trip to Paris, he knew it was the perfect time to take the leap. The NBA had set up a game between the Bulls and Pistons. And Jones? He had something way more special in mind. After seven years together, he was ready to take the next step with his girlfriend.
During a team dinner, he stood up, grabbed the mic, and grinned. “It’s about that time,” he said. Then, looking at Shakara, he got down on one knee and asked, “Will you make me the luckiest man in the world?” A moment pulled straight from a Hollywood script!
Shakara was stunned. But after a moment, her answer was clear and full of joy, “You mean me… Hell yeah!” The Bulls squad erupted in cheers. Later, the team’s Instagram handle posted a wholesome picture of the engaged couple with the caption: “Engaged in Paris .”
Jones later shared that it was all part of a plan. “Once I knew we were coming here to Paris, I had it planned,” he said. And the city of love? It didn’t disappoint. “I loved it. It gave me even more motivation to do it.”
When did Derrick Jones Jr. and Shakara Pritchett meet?
As mentioned above, Derrick Jones Jr. and Shakara Pritchett have been together since before his NBA days. Their love story began in Cleveland, right after Shakara’s graduation. At the time, DJJ was prepping for the 2016 NBA Draft. Recalling that moment in 2023, he said, “It’s just real hard to hide the ring. We met during my predraft in Cleveland. I was with my agent and out one night and we met; just like that. We’ve been together for seven years.”
Though Derrick Jones Jr. went undrafted in 2016, he wasn’t deterred. He joined the Sacramento Kings for the NBA Summer League, but a groin injury kept him from playing. However, on September 25, 2016, Jones signed with the Phoenix Suns for training camp. After a standout performance during camp and preseason, he secured a spot on the opening-night roster. From there, he never looked back.
Through all the ups and downs in his career, his relationship with Shakara has remained a constant. The couple made things official in 2016 and have shared their journey with fans, regularly updating them with heartfelt moments and memories on social media.
Do Derrick Jones Jr. and Shakara Pritchett have kids together?
According to the NBA’s official website, Derrick Jones Jr. and his wife Shakara have three sons—Derrick Jones III, Princeton, and Roman. However, Dallas Morning News reporter Brad Townsend noted that Jones has a fourth child as well, though the name hasn’t been made public. Beyond that, there’s little information available about his children, apart from their names.
More family time, this time for Derrick Jones Jr., who has 4 sons. Four! pic.twitter.com/iSyTP2UGCw
— Brad Townsend (@townbrad) November 23, 2023
Derrick Jones Jr. has built a lasting NBA career–something many can’t say after going undrafted. A big reason behind that? His wife, Shakara, who’s been with him through every twist and turn. As he continues to shine, fans can only hope his career keeps going strong. If the 2024 playoffs were any indication, it’s just the beginning! Jones was a defensive monster, helping the Mavs reach the Finals. Now, Clippers fans are hoping he will bring that same fire in the 2025 playoffs, too!
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