Tyus Jones Set To Make First Start For Dallas Mavericks Against Phoenix Suns

Grant AfsethFebruary 10, 2026February 28, 2026

NBA: Tyus Jones shoots during pregame warmups for the Dallas Mavericks in San Antonio

Photo by Nick White/DallasHoopsJournal.com

The adjustment period ended quickly for Tyus Jones. Just days after arriving in Dallas as part of a multi-team trade, the veteran point guard is set to make his first start for the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night against the Phoenix Suns, a tangible step in the team’s ongoing effort to settle its rotation and steady a roster still in transition.

Dallas’ confirmed starters against Phoenix are Jones, Max Christie, Cooper Flagg, P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford.

Jones replaces added uncertainty in the backcourt with experience and structure, something the Mavericks have prioritized since the trade deadline reshaped both the roster and responsibilities across the floor.

A Quick Transition for Tyus Jones Into a Lead Role

Jones’ promotion to the starting lineup comes after a brief but telling debut Saturday in San Antonio. In 17 minutes, he finished with four points, zero rebounds and seven assists, posting a team-best plus-18 in a 138–125 loss while committing no turnovers.

“Whirlwind is a good way to put it,” Jones said after that game. “It’s been kind of hectic. Especially having a family — wife, kids — it’s always a shocking call when you get that call. But it’s part of the business. You try to gather your thoughts, feel the emotions, but also take the emotions out of it as best you can and prepare for new beginnings.

“The Mavericks organization has done a great job so far making me feel at home, so I’m excited for it.”

That adjustment has accelerated rapidly. Jones said he has leaned heavily on film study and repetition as he works to absorb terminology and timing within the system.

“As a point guard, there’s a lot to learn,” Jones said. “I’ve been in the film, watching before games, living in film right now, learning the system and the calls.”

Why the Dallas Mavericks Wanted Tyus Jones

League sources told DallasHoopsJournal.com that Dallas views Jones’ experience at point guard as a practical way to ease the nightly workload across the roster, with Flagg among the primary beneficiaries. Internally, Jones is seen as someone who can reduce the strain of constant ball pressure, particularly for Cooper Flagg, allowing the offense to initiate earlier and flow into actions more smoothly, sources said.

That belief predates the trade deadline. Dallas explored the possibility of signing Jones last summer, but he ultimately agreed to a one-year, $7 million deal with the Orlando Magic — a figure that exceeded the near $5.7 million taxpayer mid-level exception available to the Mavericks at the time. When the opportunity arose to acquire him via trade months later, the financial barrier was no longer a factor.

“Yeah, I was aware of it and definitely gave it consideration,” Jones said. “It’s one of those things that kind of felt meant to be, ending up here. I’m excited to get to know the guys, get to know Coach Kidd and the staff, and just bring to the table what I do. Continue to learn, develop, and try to have a positive impact here.”

Organizing the Dallas Mavericks’ Offense, Lightening the Load

From the front office’s perspective, Jones was added less to change the offense and more to stabilize it.

“Tyus is a really good natural point guard,” co-interim general manager Matt Riccardi said. “He’s an organizer. He’s a game manager. He’s different from what we currently have on the roster. We’re hoping he can provide leadership on the floor, be an extension of the coaching staff during games, and help put guys in the right positions to succeed.”

Head coach Jason Kidd echoed that sentiment, pointing to Jones’ decision-making and efficiency as reasons the transition has been seamless.

“When you talk about assist-to-turnover ratio, it’s incredible,” Kidd said. “He connects the dots. It’s not just safe passes — he makes sure the receiver can catch it. He understands the game, and he’s got a lot of weapons here — Gaff, Cooper, Naji, Klay, Max Christie. We’re excited to have him.”

Playing Alongside Cooper Flagg

Jones has already identified Flagg as a central figure in how the group functions offensively, praising both his versatility and feel for the game.

“His feel for the game on both ends of the floor,” Jones said. “He does everything at a high level. Playing some point guard, multiple positions, guarding multiple positions, hitting outside shots, driving to the rim, floaters, midrange, iso buckets. He’s doing a little bit of everything.

“For a young guy, a first-year player, to have the stretch he’s having — and honestly play at the level he’s played all year — it’s extremely impressive.”

With Jones now handling primary organizing duties, Dallas hopes that connection will continue to grow as the offense finds greater rhythm heading into the final stretch before the All-Star break.

For Jones, the role is straightforward.

“I’m just trying to play my brand of basketball,” he said. “Get us organized, get guys where they like the ball, and keep building chemistry. It’s a challenge, but it’s one I’m excited about.”

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Grant Afseth

Senior Writer

Grant Afseth is a Senior Writer for DallasHoopsJournal.com, where he leads in-depth coverage of the Mavericks, Wings, and more. Between a focus on the latest news, closer looks at games, front office strategy, and more, Afseth provides objective coverage. Afseth contributes broader NBA coverage across platforms and has been cited in national outlets for his reporting and analysis. With nearly a decade of journalism experience, Afseth has covered the NBA and WNBA for multiple major outlets, including Athlon Sports, BallIsLife, Sportskeeda, and RG.org. He previously reported on the Indiana Pacers for CNHI’s Kokomo Tribune and the Mavericks for FanNation.

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