Memphis Grizzlies: Four players for the long term core
By Ethan Becker
No. 4: Tyus Jones
I know, I know. It’s probably a huge shock to you all that I’ve included Tyus Jones on this list. I mean, after all, it’s not like I’ve ever really talked about him.
Ok, all jokes aside, Jones is a really important part to this Grizzlies rotation. Jones has played in every game so far this season, and over that stretch he’s averaged 7.4 points, 4.4 assists, 1.6 rebounds, and 0.9 steals across 19.0 minutes per game. He’s also been shooting a career high percentage in both 3-point and field goal percentage, shooting 37.9 and 45.9 percent respectively.
Outside of that, when Jones gets a starting role (which he has six times this year), he sees a boost in numbers. During games that he starts, Jones averages 8.8 points, 6.3 assists, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.0 steals while shooting 46.8 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from 3-point range.
Jones has the potential to be a very key part to this new run-and-gun, fast paced system the Grizzlies are building. Memphis is seventh in the league in pace, second in the league in assists per game, and they force the 13th most turnover in the NBA. In a system that is built around ball movement and getting out ahead of their opponents, somebody with Jones’ ability to move the ball and strip his opponent is essential.