Tyus Jones made his Phoenix Suns debut in a 116-113 overtime thriller over the Los Angeles Clippers and impressed, seamlessly placed in the starting lineup and getting accustomed to his teammates in a flash.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!For the first time with his new team, Jones went out and notched 11 points, a team-high eight assists, two rebounds, two steals and a block in 35 minutes of action. He shot 5-for-10 (50%) from the field in Phoenix’s victory.
Signing a one-year contract with the Suns, Jones hit the ground running and has already etched his name in the history books.
On Wednesday night, Jones recorded the most assists by a Suns debutant without committing a turnover since the ABA-NBA merger back in 1976. The Phoenix Suns have been a franchise since 1968.
Tyus Jones: newest playmaker for the Phoenix Suns ☄️ pic.twitter.com/jsLvwabPQZ
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) October 24, 2024
Last season with the Washington Wizards, the Duke product averaged 12.0 points, 7.3 assists and 2.7 rebounds in 66 games. What stands out and the highly efficient trend throughout his career that has continued is that Jones is a career shooter of 44.5% from the field.
In 10 years in the NBA, he averages less than one turnover a game, being smart with the ball and not making quick decisions that could turn costly. Instead of forcing it, Jones analyzes the options he has to pass to or shoot and his court awareness has been evident just one game in as a Sun.
Playing for the Wizards, Minnesota Timberwolves (2015-19) and Memphis Grizzlies (19-23), the 28-year-old is betting on himself to impress and receive a long-term contract after this season, either with the Suns or elsewhere. He will be an unrestricted free agent after this year concludes.
The Suns were missing a true point guard but this season, they haven’t only acquired one, but they got two who have a high basketball IQ and defensive motors. Jones and fellow free agent signing Monte Morris (13) combined for 48 minutes played on the court without a single turnover, a welcoming sign for head coach Mike Budenholzer and his team.
Now that Devin Booker and Bradley Beal can play in their correct positions because of the addition of Jones, it will be interesting to see how they flourish going forward, barring injuries. Booker played at point guard last season and Beal was the shooting guard, though Beal flipped between that position and small forward while he was in Washington.
If this game shows what is to come, the Suns made a smart decision to sign Jones and this bargain of a deal could turn out to be the steal of the offseason.
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Reporter Alec Cipollini covers the Phoenix Mercury, Suns and ASU Athletics for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @AlecCipollini
