Popeye Jones Returns to Where It All Began, Named Dallas Mavericks Assistant Coach Under Former Teammate Jason Kidd

The Dallas Mavericks have made a nostalgic and strategic addition to their coaching staff, bringing back a familiar face in Ronald “Popeye” Jones. The former NBA forward has officially been named an assistant coach, joining the staff of head coach Jason Kidd—the same teammate he shared the floor with during the 1993-94 NBA season in Dallas.

For Jones, the move represents more than just a new chapter in his coaching journey; it’s a full-circle return to the franchise where he first made his mark as a player. For the Mavericks, it’s another signal of intent—a blend of continuity, culture, and championship aspirations that continues to shape the team’s identity under Kidd’s leadership.

A Homecoming Years in the Making

Popeye Jones first donned a Dallas Mavericks jersey in 1993, after a brief overseas stint and a rights trade from Houston. Drafted in 1992 by the Rockets (second round, 41st overall), Jones was quickly flipped to the Mavericks where he played the first three seasons of his NBA career. During that span, he developed into a gritty and reliable presence on the glass, averaging a double-double in the 1995-96 season with 11.3 points and 10.8 rebounds per game.

But what makes this coaching hire truly special is the history between Jones and Kidd. The two shared the court during the 1994-95 season, when Kidd was a rookie sensation, and Jones was establishing himself as one of the best rebounders in the league. Their mutual respect has clearly endured over the decades.

“When you think about basketball IQ, toughness, and professionalism, Popeye’s name comes to mind immediately,” Kidd said in a statement. “He’s someone I’ve always respected—both as a teammate and as a coach. We’re thrilled to welcome him back to Dallas.”

A Coaching Resume Built on Fundamentals and Respect

Jones brings with him a wealth of experience, having served as an assistant coach in the NBA for over a decade. Most recently, he was a member of the Denver Nuggets coaching staff, where he contributed to their 2023 NBA Championship under head coach Michael Malone. Prior to that, he held assistant coaching roles with the Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Brooklyn Nets, steadily building a reputation as one of the league’s most detail-oriented and respected minds.

What makes Jones particularly valuable to Dallas is his versatility. He’s worked with big men, guards, and team defense, and is known for emphasizing fundamentals, rebounding, and player development. His presence on the sidelines could prove crucial in helping young talents like Dereck Lively II and Olivier-Maxence Prosper unlock their potential—while also assisting stars like Luka Dončić in refining the finer aspects of the game.

“He’s got a great balance,” said Malone during the Nuggets’ 2023 championship run. “Old-school mentality, but very in tune with today’s players. That’s rare.”

The Kidd-Jones Connection: A Brotherhood Rekindled

While their NBA playing careers diverged after Dallas, the bond between Kidd and Jones never waned. Their reunion now adds a layer of trust and chemistry to the Mavericks’ bench, as Dallas seeks to break through in a highly competitive Western Conference.

Kidd, himself a Hall of Fame point guard and NBA champion, has made it a point to surround himself with former players who understand both the grind and the glory of the NBA. The Mavericks coaching staff already includes the likes of Jared Dudley and God Shammgod—each with ties to the league’s golden eras and connections to today’s stars. Adding Jones only deepens that culture.

“You know when you’ve shared a locker room with someone, there’s a level of understanding and accountability that just can’t be taught,” Kidd added. “Popeye brings that with him.”

Jones echoed the sentiment in his introductory press release: “This is a special opportunity for me. Dallas is where I started my NBA journey, and to come back and work alongside Jason, someone I deeply respect, is a full-circle moment. I’m ready to get to work.”

Dallas’ Coaching Philosophy Comes into Focus

This move also marks a further evolution in Dallas’ bench strategy. After their 2024 Western Conference Finals appearance, the Mavericks have made it clear that the window for winning is open—right now. Bringing in Popeye Jones adds not only coaching depth but championship pedigree.

With the front office recently re-signing Derrick Jones Jr. and adding seasoned role players to complement Dončić and Kyrie Irving, the team has made concerted efforts to enhance both ends of the floor. Popeye’s influence on defense and rebounding, in particular, addresses a critical need the Mavs have tried to patch over the past two seasons.

Dallas finished 18th in team rebounding and middle-of-the-pack in defensive efficiency last season—areas that will need immediate improvement if the Mavericks want to challenge the likes of Denver, Minnesota, and Oklahoma City atop the West.

“Rebounding is about heart and positioning,” Jones has said in past interviews. “It’s the one part of the game where you can outwork talent. I love that about it.”

Mentoring the Next Generation

In addition to his coaching work, Jones is highly respected for his mentorship skills. That trait will likely come into play in Dallas as the team continues developing players like Jaden Hardy, Josh Green, and Lively II. His approach is rooted in patience and persistence, having gone through the grind himself as a second-round pick who fought his way into relevance.

Jones is also no stranger to player development at the highest level. While with the Pacers, he was credited with helping Myles Turner grow into one of the league’s better shot blockers and stretch bigs. In Denver, he was instrumental in fine-tuning Nikola Jokić’s timing on both ends of the court—subtle improvements that paid off handsomely during their championship run.

“I’ve been coached by legends, and I’ve coached alongside them,” Jones told reporters during his Denver stint. “The goal is to pass that knowledge forward.”

A Symbol of Continuity and Commitment

Popeye Jones’ return is more than a headline—it’s a symbol of the Mavericks’ commitment to continuity, chemistry, and culture. In an NBA world where transactions dominate the narrative, Dallas is betting on relationships, shared history, and a belief that their best years are still to come.

With Jason Kidd entering his fourth season as head coach and now flanked by longtime allies like Jones, the Mavericks have quietly constructed a staff that knows what it takes to win and has the rapport needed to teach it.

The timing couldn’t be better.

With LeBron James now linked in trade rumors involving Dallas and the Kyrie-Luka dynamic hitting its stride, the Mavericks are a team under the microscope. Adding a coach with the savvy of Popeye Jones isn’t just a feel-good story—it’s a strategic maneuver with postseason implications.

And for Jones, it’s the perfect encore to a career that began in the shadows of Reunion Arena. From rebounding machine to coaching maestro, he now returns with one goal in mind: help Dallas bring another banner to the rafters.

As the Mavericks gear up for the 2025-26 season, one thing is clear—Dallas isn’t just building a roster; they’re cultivating a legacy. And Popeye Jones is ready to play his part.