Ex-Grizzlies favorite draws rave reviews from new teammate: ‘Captain of our offense’
By Mark Nilon
The Memphis Grizzlies may have managed to retool their talent pool in major ways this summer what with the additions of guys like Derrick Rose and Marcus Smart, but, in doing so, they were also forced to part ways with several key members from years past.
Perhaps the most significant departure came during the multi-team deal to snatch Smart away from the Boston Celtics, as GM Zach Kleiman made the tough decision to ship Tyus Jones out to the third-party Washington Wizards in the transaction.
A fan favorite amongst Grind City faithful from his four-year tenure with the franchise, the 27-year-old now heads out to the nation’s capital to assume lead guard duties and, in a sense, serve as one of the elder statesmen on Wes Unseld Jr.’s talented yet rather young squad.
Though Jones has yet to play a single lick of meaningful action with his new club, it appears his presence is already having a positive effect on the Wizards as Washington wing Corey Kispert recently heaped praise upon the guard during a post-practice interview, labeling him as the team’s leader.
Ex-Grizzlies guard Tyus Jones already deemed a locker room leader for Wizards
"“Tyus has done a great job [as a vocal leader]. He’s done a really great job,” Kispert said. “there’s a reason why he’s been one of the most steady point guards in the league for so long. He gets guys in the right spot, he knows exactly what he’s doing and even in a new offense or with a new coaching staff it feels like he’s been here forever so Tyus has probably been the biggest and most communicative vocal leader we have. I expect the same throughout the whole year. He’s going to be the captain of our offense and he stepped into that role right away.”"
Corey Kispert was asked by @CandaceDBuckner about who has emerged as a leader in the Wizards locker room and his answer was quick and easy: Tyus Jones. pic.twitter.com/2GaDRGKXPW
— Bijan Todd (@bijan_todd) October 5, 2023
As Kispert noted, Jones has proven to be one of the more steady point guards over the last several years, particularly during his time with the Grizzlies where he was tasked with taking on primary ball-handler duties on numerous occasions as a result of superstar Ja Morant’s injury and suspension-induced absences.
Last season was undoubtedly the best of his eight-year NBA career, as he posted sound averages of 10.3 points, 5.2 assists, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.0 steals while shooting 37.1 percent from deep.
What made his season all the more impressive was the production he put forth whilst serving in the starting lineup, as he posted 16.4 points, 8.1 assists, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.8 steals while shooting 50.0 percent from the field and 41.5 percent from deep through 22 games.
Though a career backup, his move to D.C. finally presents Jones with the opportunity to serve as a full-time starting one and, based on his track record, he has shown the ability to truly shine in such a role. Some have even gone as far as to predict that being traded to the Wizards now has him in line for a true breakout campaign.
While we may still be a few weeks out from regular-season play, it seems as though the former Grizzlies favorite has already endeared himself to his new surroundings.
How unsurprising!
