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Damian Jones
C, Vanderbilt to Spurs
Tim Duncan may finally be ready to retire, David West is entering free agency, and there’s only so much the legend that is Boban Marjanovic can do by himself, no matter how much we love him.
Some frontcourt depth from the 2016 NBA Draft could really help the Spurs, and Damian Jones has the upside to be worth their time if they work their typical magic on him, leading to him becoming another valuable contributor.
Weighing in at 6’11” with a 7’4″ wingspan, lean 244 lbs frame and 37-inch vertical, Jones’ physical appeal is clear. He averaged 21.1 points per 40 minutes on 59 percent shooting last season, and while he needs to work to add more depth to his scoring skill set, he finishes strong at the rim, rolls well to the basket, and cleans up the offensive glass.
Jones used that physicality on defense, too, adding 2.5 blocks and hauling in 10.5 rebounds per 40 minutes. As long as the Spurs are willing to build off his athletic gifts and raw skill set, he has role player potential for them.