Draft Prospect: Dominique Jones

[Bruno]

http://blogs.msg.com/events/media/events/blog-assets/gameon/dominique-jones-200-021709.jpg
Height: 6-4
Weight: 215 lbs
Birthday: 10/15/1988
College: South Florida

DraftExpress (http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Dominique-Jones-5052/)
nbadraft (http://www.nbadraft.net/players/dominique-jones)

[Bruno]

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2010/mar/23/jones-submits-name-nba-draft/


USF junior guard Dominique Jones has submitted a letter to the NBA expressing his interest in entering the NBA Draft.

Jones plans to work out for NBA officials next month and then decide by May 8 whether to leave school for the NBA or return to USF.

According to a new NCAA rule, underclassmen who want to maintain their eligibility must pull their name out of the NBA draft by 5 p.m. on May 8. In the past, they could wait until June 15 without penalty.

[mountainballer]

Dominique Jones is climbing the draft boards quickly.
(DX Givony raves about him on his Twitter page, calling him a "mini Tyreke Evans)
currently he is projected mostly end of 1st round - high 2nd, stock rising quickly. Spurs can like this, if he reaches the 15-20 area. either they are interested in him themself, or Jones pushes a SF down one spot. I'm thinking especially about the Celtics. they will look for the same players like the Spurs, but might also be very interested in Jones, with their many open questions and expiring contracts of their back court players. (Robinson, T. Allen, R. Allen, Daniels, Finley)

[Bruno]

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2010/may/09/090013/sp-future-l-sight-in-clear/sports/


Jones reaffirmed his decision Friday to remain in the draft, and he has personal workouts scheduled this week with the Washington Wizards and San Antonio Spurs.

[mountainballer]

I assume the Spurs will look at all players in their draft area, no matter what position they play. Jones doesn't make much sense on first sight, on the other hand, no team can have enough ball handlers and shot creators these days, especially when this players are good defenders as well.
btw. Jones does make sense in a longer perspective. it's not a given thing Tony will re sign 2011 and Spurs might start to prepare for a future back court that can replace the Tony+Manu back court one day.
if Spurs think that Hill+Jones could be such a tandem in some years, it would make a lot of sense to draft Jones.

[benefactor]

I would rather see them draft one of the SF prospects, but Jones would not be a surprising pick as they will need wings to replace Finley, Mason and possibly Bogans. The Spurs are in love with wings that can play and defend both guard positions and with his attack mindset and good ball handling he could be an interesting player. He also rebounds well for a guard, which is something the Spurs depend on their guards to help with.

[mountainballer]

I would rather see them draft one of the SF prospects, but Jones would not be a surprising pick as they will need wings to replace Finley, Mason and possibly Bogans. The Spurs are in love with wings that can play and defend both guard positions and with his attack mindset and good ball handling he could be an interesting player. He also rebounds well for a guard, which is something the Spurs depend on their guards to help with.

he is pretty much in every aspect a poor man's version of Dwyane Wade. which is not a bad thing. if the Spurs find out in the workout that he could defend NBA SGs and hit the NBA 3 on a decent rate, he might become an intriguing option for them. no matter that they needed a SF more urgent.

[Mr. Body]

I'd pick speed and talent, minus height, over a projected small forward.

[DesignatedT]

not to familiar with this kid.

[Mr. Body]

definitely not impressed with this kid.

Why?

[DesignatedT]

Why?

Well I only got to see a couple USF games but wasn't really impressed with him. He can't shoot from what i have seen.. especially the 3. All his scoring came from driving the lane which is all good but he definitely wont be able to drive like that against NBA defenders.(especially since he is already pretty undersized) The guy will have to develop a jumpshot if he wants a job in the NBA. Im not sure about his D though.

I would definitely not waste a 1st rounder on this guy... maybe if he drops to the late 2nd. Should have stayed in college IMO.

If we were going to go this rout I would rather go with jordan crawford from xavier. same type of player

[benefactor]

How is he undersized? He's almost a duplicate of Dwayne Wade physically. What leads you to believe that he won't be strong enough to get to the rim in the NBA?

BTW...he lead all point and shooting guards in the NCAA in free throw attempts per minute.

[DesignatedT]

It will be a lot harder for him to get to the rim against the much longer defenders. Especially when the defender will just lay off and give him the jumper he cant hit. I didn't know about the free throws... that's a nice stat if true.

[Blackjack]

Dominique Jones (http://www.magicbasketball.net/2010/05/20/media-log-2010-nba-draft-combine-media-availability-day-1-part-i/)

How did your training go in Atlanta?

It’s good. It’s just where I’m based out of right now when I go to these workouts so I got the training down and everything is good.

A lot of people say that you’re style of play is very conducive to the NBA. Why is that?

I think that I’m strong and the contact is good, things like that. Getting to the basket and being able to knock down that wide-open shot, I think I can do that and I guess that’s where it translates at.

Specifically, what are you trying to improve in your game?

My ball-handling and getting inside the lane. I mean, I can get inside the lane basically wherever I want to go but keeping my ball-handling a little tight and my defense. I can defend but I just need to get it a little better.

What type of team would you like to play for? Up-tempo? Structured?

It don’t matter. I can go anywhere and play. I prefer an up-tempo team because then I can get up and down [the court] like I like to do.

Do you feel you’re an open-court player?

Yeah, that’s what I’m best at. Transition, open-court, off deflections, off defense, I’m the best at that.

Which teams have you worked out for?

Yeah, I’ve worked out for Boston, San Antonio, Washington, Indiana and Chicago.

The NBA is becoming more of a perimeter-oriented league. How do you think that will help you succeed as a player in the league?

Yeah, I think that’ll help me get to the basket more and make my drives a little easier so I can get that contact at the basket. I mean, I think it’ll affect me on defense too because I won’t be able to be as physical as I want but I’m satisfied with the rules so I like it.

[Blackjack]

I really like this kid. I'm not sure he's what they need at the moment but he's a player and he's got the physicality and game to thrive offensively at the next level -- he's got the capability to capitalize on the league's rules in almost the same fashion Wade does.

[benefactor]

This is my Spurs sleeper pick. If he impressed them at the team workout and they don't like anything that is available at 20 among the SF prospects they could take him. I'd rather have them take an SF, but I wouldn't hate the pick either.

[dbestpro]

If he is 1/2 half as good as he thinks he is he should be in the lottery. Kid is full of himself.

[ace3g]

Dominique Jones outside shot looked average. Didn’t make a huge impact. Outside shot shows good form but doesn’t get much lift.

http://www.nbadraft.net/nba-draft-combine-day-1

[Blackjack]

This is the kind of guy you need to see in game-action, not at a combine. Some players are built for theses workouts and the skill-type drills but Jones' talent lies in what he's capable of doing during the course of a game and when there's actually opposition -- it's hard to see how someone uses their body on the court against competition in a combine.

His shot needs work, as does his ball-handling, but the guy's a player. Plain and simple.

[mountainballer]

measured 6-5 in shoes with a decent 6-9 wingspan. combined with good athleticism this are fantastic numbers for a combo guard. at this size he could definitely defend the bigger and stronger SGs as well.

[Blackjack]

Very pleased with Jones' numbers. He's a good inch taller than I thought and much longer than I even realized. :tu

Just for a comparison, check out the numbers in relation to Hill:

Dominique Jones

George Hill

Height: 6' 3.25" 6' 1.25"

W/ Shoes: 6' 5" 6' 2.5"

Weight: 216 181

Wingspan: 6' 9.25" 6' 9"

S. Reach: 8' 5'' 8' 1.5"

Body Fat: 5.9 3.0

[TimmehC]

As a USF alum, I approve of this draft pick. Still would like to see a SF get picked, though.

[DesignatedT]

Wasn't to interested in the kid to begin with but he has been growing on me. Listened to his interview and watched him in the workouts and he is pretty impressive. Would love to try and acquire another late 1st rounder or early 2nd to try and land this kid along with whoever we draft at #20.

[dbestpro]

His picture makes him look like a cross between Avery Johnson and Michael Cage.

[mountainballer]

http://twitter.com/alexkennedynba
Dominique Jones distanced himself from Jordan Crawford and Terrico White in recent workout. "Embarrassed them multiple times," says source.

[duncan228]

Five potential sleepers in the draft (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/basketball/nba/06/10/draft.sleeper.candidates/index.html)
By Jonathan Givony, DraftExpress.com

Dominique Jones, SG, Jr. South Florida

Measuring 6-5 in shoes with a 6-9 wingspan and sturdy 216-pound frame, Jones is one of the more physically impressive guards in the draft. The aggressive combo guard also is one of the best at creating his own shot and, among all prospects, ranks in the top 10 in scoring (21.4 last season) and top five in free-throw attempts (8.5).

A capable playmaker, Jones wasn't always able to show off his passing skills while playing with less accomplished teammates, but he appears to have the vision and smarts needed to run a team effectively in spurts.

Jones, however, likely isn't generating more hype because he played for a bad team -- South Florida won a combined 21 games his first two years before improving to 20-13 last season -- that relied too heavily on him to keep defenses honest. In addition, he shot only 31 percent from the shorter college three-point line in each of the last two seasons.

Jones' stock seems to be rising -- he's a potential late first-round pick -- but he still might end up being undervalued on draft night. Plenty of teams could use a Shannon Brown-type combo guard off the bench for special assignments, and Jones certainly fits the bill.

[benefactor]

If the Spurs SF prospects run dry and Williams is also gone, I wouldn't mind them reaching a bit at 20 to take Jones...even if they decided to pass on Pondexter(this does not mean that I personally would want him over Pondexter, I just means I wouldn't be upset with the pick).

[Blackjack]

I honestly don't think he'd be much of a reach at 20. I'm pretty high on him and if the Spurs take him over someone like Pondexter, I'm pretty confident that it'll be for the right reasons; I really like the kid.

[benefactor]

I honestly don't think he'd be much of a reach at 20. I'm pretty high on him and if the Spurs take him over someone like Pondexter, I'm pretty confident that it'll be for the right reasons; I really like the kid.
As The Truth #6 mentioned in the draft thread, the Spurs have holes at both SG and SF so there is plenty of merit in taking a SG...especially one like Jones who has SG size, can operate as a combo guard and is defensive minded.

[DesignatedT]

I honestly don't think he'd be much of a reach at 20. I'm pretty high on him and if the Spurs take him over someone like Pondexter, I'm pretty confident that it'll be for the right reasons; I really like the kid.

I'd rather him over Pondexter also... I would rather George, Babbitt, Anderson, Henry, maybe James if they are available at 20.

What about between Ell iot Williams and Dominique Jones? That's pretty tough for me.

[ChuckD]

I'd rather him over Pondexter also... I would rather George, Babbitt, Anderson, Henry, maybe James if they are available at 20.

What about between Ell iot Williams and Dominique Jones? That's pretty tough for me.

Elli0t is probably a better 'now' choice, but as Jones' profile said, if he develops a consistent jumper, LOOK OUT. My guess is that if they're both on the board, the Spurs would pick Elli0t.

[Blackjack]

Ideally the Spurs could find some more size and talent on the wing but if it can't be done in the draft with someone who can contribute now, you've got to just take the best player that can. Jones could very well be that guy.

What I've really harped on is the 'glue' the Spurs have lost over the years. I talked about it in "The Prestige" piece I did and I've recently talked about it in TD 21's thread, and I'm going to keep on harping on it until it's time to completely rebuild. But the Spurs can't look to the draft for that, they need to look for contributors. Competitors with a skill set that should allow them to help the cause pretty much from Day 1.

Hairston is a small forward. He's who should be their 'Centerpiece' this year and he should be able to eclipse his predecessor if given the opportunity. Temple has all the markings of a Spur and I have a hard time not seeing him with the Spurs next year; he's a 1/2 with the versatility to play the 3 defensively in the right matchup. Gee ... I'm not sure about. He's the best scorer of the bunch, a real competent slasher, and he's got a real NBA body, but I'm unsure of his status. He's a 2/3, but definitely more 2. As Bruno mentioned, after seeing their respective contract numbers (guaranteed money), it'll probably come down to a legitimate competition in camp. I can't see them not keeping two of them, and it wouldn't completely shock me if they kept all of them, but it all depends on what they show in camp; Hairston would seem to have a leg up but the contract numbers actually might favor the other two if it's close.

Having said all that (and now I'll get back to the point -- I swear), the Spurs need talent. They need contributors now. Jones has the build, game and toughness, both mentally and physically, to come in and to do just that. He might actually be able to help the Spurs more off the bat than some of the better wings that would be better gets in the grand scheme of things. Hell, it might actually be a wiser move, given the state and times of Spurs basketball, to build their supporting cast with youth providing more of the talent and a long, defensive vet or two to provide the grit and needed defense.

As for Jones v Williams ... I plead ignorance. I just didn't get to see much of Williams to give you an honest opinion. I love what I'm hearing and there's definitely some intrigue, but I'm just really impressed with Jones. He's just got a real chance to be a steal and a really solid player.

[AFBlue]

I don't know why there's interest in getting a guy without a reliable shot. The Spurs have an overabundance of penetrators and not enough reliable shooters. Jones sounds like a tough kid with solid measurables, but they need someone who can make an outside shot if left open.

[Blackjack]

You don't usually rely on the outside shooting of rookies, especially ones outside the lottery. They need shooting, dependable, trustworthy shooting, and they're going to need to find it in some veteran(s).

[AFBlue]

You don't usually rely on the outside shooting of rookies, especially ones outside the lottery. They need shooting, dependable, trustworthy shooting, and they're going to need to find it in some veteran(s).

One more penetrator on the roster means one less shooter. With Parker, Ginobili, Hill, Jefferson, Hairston/Gee/Temple, the last thing the Spurs need is another penetrator. He wasn't even reliable at hitting the spot-up, wide open Js.

IF the Spurs wanted to go for a slasher, I'd suggest one or two guys that can at least make an open shot...Pondexter or Williams.

[Blackjack]

One more penetrator on the roster means one less shooter. With Parker, Ginobili, Hill, Jefferson, Hairston/Gee/Temple, the last thing the Spurs need is another penetrator. He wasn't even reliable at hitting the spot-up, wide open Js.

IF the Spurs wanted to go for a slasher, I'd suggest one or two guys that can at least make an open shot...Pondexter or Williams.

I'm fine with either of those picks. But I wouldn't dismiss a guy like Jones simply because he lacks a three-point shot; and I certainly wouldn't dismiss him until I know Tony and George are both going to be here.

The Spurs need talent, contributors. If they believe Jones is the best player available and they can't address the small forward adequately, they shouldn't take a lesser player to fulfill a positional need. RJ's gone after this year, if not before, and Tony's future is up in the air. Jones could actually turn out to be a pretty ideal pick when it's all said and done; and I'd definitely look to the trade and free-agent markets for my shooting short-term.

[AFBlue]

I'm fine with either of those picks. But I wouldn't dismiss a guy like Jones simply because he lacks a three-point shot; and I certainly wouldn't dismiss him until I know Tony and George are both going to be here.

The Spurs need talent, contributors. If they believe Jones is the best player available and they can't address the small forward adequately, they shouldn't take a lesser player to fulfill a positional need. RJ's gone after this year, if not before, and Tony's future is up in the air. Jones could actually turn out to be a pretty ideal pick when it's all said and done; and I'd definitely look to the trade and free-agent markets for my shooting short-term.

They should be able to address the SF position without sacraficing anything from a talent perspective. I'd take any of these SFs and/or SGs before considering Jones:

George
Henry
Hayward
Babbitt
Pondexter
James
Anderson
Williams

All of the above can shoot decently from the outside and fit a current position of need for the Spurs. Obviously it's just my opinion, but I would probably be disappointed if they chose Jones and one of the above players were still on the board.

[Bruno]

I've moved posts about Hairston and Gee in the Hairston thread.

[Mr Bones]

I'd be happy if the Spurs added Dominique Jones and Splitter this off season... I like the idea of Ginobili playing the SF spot sometimes in a 3 guard line up-- it beats Jefferson or Bogans playing the 4 in a smallball line up. If Jones is anything close to a mini-Tyreke or mini-D Wade sleeper as advertised, he'd be a steal at #20.

[Blackjack]

They should be able to address the SF position without sacraficing anything from a talent perspective. I'd take any of these SFs and/or SGs before considering Jones:

George
Henry
Hayward
Babbitt
Pondexter
James
Anderson
Williams

All of the above can shoot decently from the outside and fit a current position of need for the Spurs. Obviously it's just my opinion, but I would probably be disappointed if they chose Jones and one of the above players were still on the board.

I was assuming all but James, Pondexter and Williams would be off the board and if the Spurs went with Jones over those two, I'd have no problem with it; I trust they've got a better read than I do and if they're high enough on Jones to pass on those two, I'm only going to be more enthused with Jones.

I trust that they'd pick the right player if it comes down to those three.

[Mr Bones]

The more I learn about this guy, the more I like him. He's extremely aggressive on both ends of the court, a very efficient scorer, and generally had very good games against the best teams in the Big East. Two versatile combo guards in Hill & Jones plus two all-stars in Tony and Manu makes for a pretty good backcourt... If the Spurs add the needed defensive length elsewhere (Splitter & Dominic McGwire?), I'd be fine with not drafting a SF, even if that does seem to be the biggest need at the moment.