Welcome to Pounding the Rock’s 2023-24 participant evaluations! The sequence will take a look at the 15 gamers who completed the season with the San Antonio Spurs on assured contracts (so no two-way gamers as a result of we noticed so little of them this 12 months, and no Doug McDermott). Take pleasure in!
Tre Jones
2023-24 stats: 77 video games, 10 factors, 3.8 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 50.5percentFG
Contract Standing: 1 12 months, $9.1 million remaining
Age: 24
Jones did a adequate job within the 2022/23 season because the Spurs’ start line guard to earn a brand new deal to remain in San Antonio. The younger flooring basic was a steadying power on a foul crew and whereas his upside by no means appeared significantly excessive, he proved he could possibly be a flooring raiser and tradition setter. When the information got here that Jeremy Sochan was going to get the start line guard job, the considerations have been centered on how the ahead would adapt and never how Jones would fare off the bench, as a result of the previous second-round decide had proved he was the kind of participant that might contribute regardless of his position.
Jones did job working the second unit and was one of many few gamers who had some quick chemistry with Victor Wembanyama, then after 33 video games of principally abysmal level guard play within the beginning lineup, he acquired the chance to fill in for Malaki Branham and by no means returned to the second unit. The development for the crew, which had already moved Zach Collins and Keldon Johnson to the bench, was noticeable, however Jones wasn’t a savior. He simply pushed the tempo, saved his dribble alive to place some stress on the protection, and located Wembanyama greater than anybody else on the roster, helping him on 105 buckets. Tre proved as soon as once more that regardless of his limitations he can preserve an offense working, with the Spurs scoring 110.9 factors per 100 possessions with him on the courtroom, the very best of any rotation participant.
Jones additionally confirmed important particular person enchancment on one in all his largest weaknesses as a participant within the second half of the season. After turning into a starter Jones shot 38.8 % from past the arc. Most of these makes got here on wide-open seems to be from the nook, however it was nonetheless an enormous leap for a man who got here into final season taking pictures 27 % for his profession from past the arc. If the progress is actual, Jones’ ceiling will should be reconsidered.
Wanting ahead
Jones will enter the final 12 months of his contract in place. Even when the Spurs draft or signal one other level guard, taking part in time ought to be all however assured for Tre after his efficiency final season. Whether or not it’s as a starter or bench participant shouldn’t matter a lot, since he’s proved he can deal with each roles. His steadiness on and off the ground is a good match for a younger crew that may be somewhat careless with the ball and undergo stretches the place feelings get the higher of them. It’s actually arduous to think about San Antonio buying and selling Jones this offseason.
Whether or not he’s within the long-term plans is one other story. If his shot continues to develop and he will be constant together with his already helpful floater, Jones could possibly be a really well-rounded offensive participant who can orchestrate the offense with out dominating the ball, which might make him match subsequent to Wembanyama, Vassell, and whichever excessive profile prospects the Spurs land within the draft. His top will all the time be a problem on protection in sure matchups, however Jones all the time performs with effort and physicality. Even when the entrance workplace doesn’t see him as the purpose guard of the long run — a very comprehensible stance — he could possibly be a terrific rotation piece who may mentor a youthful level guard or function a stopgap till the fitting lead guard turns into out there.
The massive query is, would Jones be pleased staying in San Antonio previous this upcoming season whereas realizing that he’ll ultimately get replaced as a starter or all the time be considered as a backup? Jones can be an unrestricted free agent for the primary time in his profession subsequent offseason and if the threes preserve falling, he gained’t lack suitors. If somebody gives Tre a beginning spot and an eight-figure contract, nobody may blame him for leaving. Equally, if a contender in want of guard performs off the bench comes knocking, it could possibly be arduous for him to go that up. This upcoming season could possibly be Jones’ final as a Spur and if there’s no plan in place to switch him, San Antonio may miss him.
Prime efficiency
Remaining grade: A
Up subsequent: Jeremy Sochan
Earlier Critiques:
Sidy Cissoko
Charles Bassey
Devonte’ Graham
Dominick Barlow
Sandro Mamukelashvili
Blake Wesley
Cedi Osman
Julian Champagnie
Zach Collins
Malaki Branham
Keldon Johnson
