And we’re off, starting with a familiar face to the people of Milwaukee. Look, as we sit here today, Jones’ path to NBA minutes seems miles away, given that he has to beat out ~15 guards to even get a sniff. Still, as a pure value play, it was worth the Bucks taking a flyer on someone who not only has NBA bona fides as a former early second-round pick, but also a tangible connection to the city, having played at Marquette—and Fiserv Forum, specifically—for four years.
Unlike most players in his position, Jones already has substantial NBA experience, having gotten a chance to play a decent amount on the Pacers last season (yes, the team was also ruthlessly tanking, but let’s just ignore that). Even after beginning last year with a long stint on the sidelines dealing with a back concern, the 24-year-old appeared in 37 games and posted averages of 4.4 PPG and 3.2 APG. He didn’t shoot the ball well—40.2% from the floor and sub-30% from three—but still, that is great experience for a rookie (even if he may well have been tactically deployed as a tank commander some of the time).
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Now, it’s no secret that Jones’ game is slower and relies heavily on feel and craft rather than power and athleticism, but he performed well at Summer League playing that way. Will it work in the NBA? I have my doubts. I referenced Jones struggling from three last year with Indy, but it’s worth noting that he shot nearly 37% from deep throughout his four years as a Golden Eagle. If the Memphis native is to have any chance of locking in a future in the association, he’ll need to rediscover that form, given the other concerns. If Jones can get his shooting to that level, defenses will need to play him tighter, and it’ll open up his passing game, which is a legit strength of his (200 assists in his senior year).
Ultimately, if I were to look into a crystal ball and predict Jones’s future right now, I’d lean toward him having a really solid overseas career; I just find it tough to picture a long-term NBA future given his size, lack of burst, and unproven shot-making ability, but I’d love to be proven wrong. It would be terrific for someone with this man’s connection to the city to succeed there at the highest level. He’d be true fan favourite.
OK, we’ll catch you Monday morning with the next one…
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