The Memphis Grizzlies ended 2024 with a huge road victory over the Phoenix Suns against a familiar face who meant a lot to the organization. Tyus Jones took the mantle as the NBA's best backup point guard from 2019 to 2023 behind Ja Morant.
He began his career with the Minnesota Timberwolves, spending four seasons as a backup before joining the Grizzlies to back up a then-rookie Ja Morant in 2019. After a successful tenure that included a 38-22 record when he had to start in place of Ja Morant, the Grizzlies traded Jones to the Washington Wizards to have an opportunity to become a full-time starter.
After a successful year in the stat column but not in the wins column with the rebuilding Wizards, Jones signed with the Phoenix Suns this offseason with his eye on starting for a potential contender. However, that hasn't transpired as the Suns fell to 15-17 after their loss to the injury-riddled Memphis Grizzlies.
Although Jones is averaging career-highs in points (12.6), field goal % (49.2%), and three-point % (43.5%) and continues to be near the top of the league in assist-to-turnover ratio, his time with the Suns is showing a realization the Grizzlies knew when they traded him.
Tyus Jones is not a starting point guard
The Phoenix Suns' problems don't fall on Tyus Jones, as he has been a steady presence on a team whose stars haven't gelled together. However, he doesn't raise the ceiling of the team as a starter and will likely return to a backup role by the time next season comes around.
With one year remaining on his contract going into the 2023-24 season, the Grizzlies decided to trade away Jones before the season started instead of waiting until the trade deadline despite Ja Morant's 25-game suspension. The Grizzlies decided it was in their best interest to move forward with another starter at point guard despite the opening they had for at least 25 games.
Considering the Grizzlies began last season 6-19 with the likes of Marcus Smart and Jacob Gilyard starting, Tyus Jones' presence might have been better for a team trying to develop chemistry. However, after his stint with the Washington Wizards, Tyus Jones found himself in free agency purgatory.
His options at finding a starting role were slim pickings as most teams had an established starter or a young play to develop at the point guard position, leading to most of his options being a backup again. However, the Phoenix Suns had a unique situation in which they had no true point guard with Bradley Beal being the primary ball handler.
Tyus Jones' ability to create for others without turning the ball over is a great skill set, but his limitations as a high-level scorer and defender hurt for teams with championship aspirations. The Grizzlies realized that at the time when they arguably needed him the most, and the Suns are learning that now.