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Duke’s Jones Perfect for Memphis Grizzlies’ Offense?

By Christian Dudley

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Apr 6, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Tyus Jones (5) reacts after a three-pointer against the Wisconsin Badgers in the second half in the 2015 NCAA Men

While the Memphis Grizzlies have multiple spots to fill this offseason, could they find their next backup point guard in Duke guard Tyus Jones?

The Memphis Grizzlies’ top priority this offseason is to sign Marc Gasol to a lengthy contract to keep the center in the 901. Beyond that, they really need to bolster their bench and improve their offensive production. This not only needs to happen at the four and five positions, but even the point guard slot.

Mike Conley has been hands-down the best point guard on the Memphis Grizzlies’ roster. There is essentially no chance of MC ever giving up the title of being the starting point guard for the club. However, the Grizz could always use an understudy to back Clutch Conley.

May 15, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) looks on late in the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors in game six of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Warriors defeated the Grizzlies 108-95. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

In the 2014-15 season, the primary reserve for Mike Conley was Beno Udrih. Udrih was second in the NBA in highest field goal percentage from midrange amongst guards. He posted averages of 7.7 points, 2.8 assists, and just 1.1 turnovers per game. However, he is not as stellar defensively as Conley on the defensive end of the floor–something that was a clear disadvantage for the Grizzlies’ bench in this year’s postseason.

Next in line was Nick Calathes–although switching between the point guard and shooting guard positions due to his 6’6″ build. Calathes was better defensively than Udrih, but he was still not quite the game-changer the Grizzlies needed at point guard when Mike Conley went down with an injury in the NBA Playoffs.

Since the end of the Memphis Grizzlies’ season, Udrih has underwent ankle surgery. Nick Calathes most likely will be with a different NBA team next season. Mike Conley is battling through a plethora of injuries–even in the offseason–but looks to be at 100% by the time the 2015-16 schedule begins.

Needless to say, the Memphis Grizzlies could use a young guy that can be a sturdy and efficient point guard off the bench. While they could surely go after a current NBA player in free-agency, I think they should think long and hard about using their 25th pick in the 2015 NBA Draft on one particular player that sure knows how to win.

Apr 4, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Tyus Jones (5) shoots over Michigan State Spartans guard Travis Trice (20) in the second half of the 2015 NCAA Men

Tyus Jones from Duke University.

From what I saw in the 2015 NCAA Men’s Basketball Division-I Tournament, Tyus Jones runs an offense quite like Mike Conley. He is excellent at controlling the pace and letting the game come to him. He does not overcommit and he is athletic and quick enough to cover most other opposing point guards. He is just 6’1″ but so is Conley. Jones even has a 15-pound advantage on MC.

If the Memphis Grizzlies were to draft Jones, I see it as great value for their 25th overall selection. Whenever Conley checks out of a game, Tyus will take the floor and potentially be a Conley 2.0 for the offense. I am not completely sold on Tyus Jones’ defense because he will definitely have to become acclimated to the “major leagues,” but I see him boosting the bench in total scoring production from what Grizz Nation saw in 2014-15. Jones was a critical part of Duke’s team that eventually won this year’s NCAA D-I Championship. He had the maturity to man the point for a prestigious team and program. That says a lot about the prospect.

NBADraft.Net currently has the Memphis Grizzlies selecting Tyus Jones at #25. Here is their take on the possible pick via Aran Smith:

"Jones was quite possibly Duke’s most valuable member of the “Fab 3” freshmen. He was the catalyst to Duke’s National title, was awarded MOP of the Final Four. He made a number of big plays down the stretch in the title game, and all tourney for that matter. He is likely to be rewarded by being a high draft pick. He lacks great physical measurements and is not a standout athlete, but he’s got tremendous intangibles and leadership at the point guard position. He shows maturity and composure beyond his years. Scouts complain about his ability to beat opponents off the dribble, but he is very crafty and it just means he will have to work harder to get open looks and make it as a starter in the league. His jump shot showed better range and consistency as the year progressed. Worst case scenario he probably ends up a high level backup. Jones is now considered by scouts as a possible late lottery to mid first round pick.Why Memphis takes Jones: Jones has the makings of a terrific backup PG. The Grizzlies have Mike Conley in the prime of his career so Jones is unlikely to challenge him in the near future. Benu Udrih is their current back up and at 32 likely does not have many more years left in the league.NBA comparison: Jordan Farmar"

What do you think of this possible Grizz selection? Would you welcome it? Let us know!

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