I was actually mildly surprised as to why he wasn't signed before training camp this year; after all, he did put up career numbers last year in Memphis, although that may have been a good thing and a bad thing--1) he was playing on a bad team; 2) escalated per 48 minutes, his all-around numbers--particularly his rebounding, passing and stealing ability--are not impressive at all. Maybe that's why some teams were skeptical of him.
Yes, Jones does have the sleek, smooth athleticism to finish around the rim Kevin Martin style, but finishing is one thing, and getting there is another. Jones's ballhandling skills are questionable, and probably of most concern is his lack of shooting range. I actually happen to think that his mid range game is solid, however, so the coaching staff may see some potential there. But if he's to carve a niche in this league, it's as a defensive stopper. He's thrived on a number of occasions there, but generally he's been hidden in this aspect because of the mere fact that he's been playing on a number of poor/average teams during the course of his NBA career. With scoring not an issue with our ballclub, I think he can definitely bring a defensive edge on the perimeter that's been missing as of late. Nice signing overall.
With Watkins and Williams on the pine and both being somewhat redundant, it's clear that one needed to go. Nice signing and insurance option by getting Jones--hopefully he'll have a Beno Udrih-like impact with us.
