International Free Agent: Bobby Jones aka Bruce Bowen 2.0

[leslie chow]

Solid as a rock would be the best way to describe the best perimeter defender in the 2006 draft. Jones wasn’t the flashiest player in Orlando, but he got the job done for his team every single time he stepped out on the floor by doing all the little things. Using his terrific height (6-7) and length (6-9.5), Jones shut down every single player he was asked to match up against, doing a fantastic job not only staying in front of his man, but also intimidating him enough with his quick hands and excellent strength and hustle to force him to give up the ball with his sheer peskiness. When given the opportunity, Jones looked quite content going down to the post to help out on the glass or even rotate over for a blocked shot on a smaller player.



From DraftExpress.com http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Bobby-Jones-351/#ixzz0uktvUk00
http://www.draftexpress.com

[Thompson]

DX says he was drafted with the 5th pick in the first round -in 1974.

It does say 'best case' is Bruce Bowen, though. That would be nice.

[Blackjack]

They signed him to a 10-day in '08 but I don't think they're adding anyone of his ilk at this point. I'm sure he's on their radar though.

[SenorSpur]

I remember him. He had a very short, end-of-the-season, stint with the Spurs a few years ago. While he was a stout defender, I don't think he was quite as offensively polished as he needed to be.

I wonder if the Spurs would be interested again?

[8FOR!3]

Hmm I don't remember this Bobby Jones guy at all. It says he has improved his shooting though and he's apparently a phenomenal defender as is.

[024]

i would give him the minimum. his offense was completely non existent in the NBA but if tony allen can carve out a role, then jones would be a decent gamble.

[Leonard Curse]

well see this is what freaks me out, im taking you guys word for it afterall i know the posters on this particualr do their research, if hes this good why in the hell isnt he on our team??? did he just get let go by orlando? they need to sign a defensive specialist freakin right now, i understand the spurs play the wait game and see whats left of the feast but were already at the bones and still no movement. wait for it....wait foooorrrr ittttttt....they know how to make us fans exercise patience to the fullest. i need to join a bball league

[Man In Black]

The Bobby Jones from 1974 played at North Carolina was an awesome defender, could shoot really well and was white, he won a title in Philly and was pivotal. If this guy is like that guy, that would be interesting. I used to think, that guy plays harder than anyone else on the court, not because he can, it's because it's the only way he knows how to play.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobby_Jones_(basketball,_born_1951)

[Blackjack]

January 3, 2010

Jones took a temporary break from his apparent goal of attempting to play for all 30 teams in the NBA in favor of trying the European adventure instead, and he seems to be faring quite well so far despite being a rookie at this level. Jones has physical attributes for the wing position and is finally beginning to show more potential on the offensive end than he’s typically been known for. He’s averaging 13 points per game in 26 minutes on excellent efficiency numbers (64% 2P, 44% 3P) and is still the same terrific defender he’s been throughout his career. If the improvement he’s made as a perimeter shooter is indeed “for real,” then it’s certainly not out of the question that he could be a solid rotation player in the NBA.

The OP's quote was from 2006. Details, I know . . .

[SpursTillTheEnd]

bogans > jones

[ace3g]

Spurs Sign Bobby Jones To 10-Day Contract (2008 article)
http://www.nba.com/spurs/news/spurs_sign_bobby_jones_080401.html

here is everyone's reaction when the Spurs first signed him
http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=90907

His 2009-2010 Euro stats
http://www.eurobasket.com/player.asp?Cntry=ITA&PlayerID=52641

His Team- Banca Tercas Teramo website player profile (with slide show)
http://www.teramobasket.it/sezione.asp?id=20&sezione=3&j=1

Bobby Jones to leave Teramo?
Former NBA player did not adapt to European basketball

Former NBA player Bobby Jones might leave Banca Tercas Teramo in the summer despite he has another year left on his contract with the Italian team.

The forward did not adapt to European basketball and said he will think about his future during vacations.

"The first thing I understood is that not all the American players may play in Europe: it is a kind of basketball totally different. In Europe referees allow the 'dirty play' something that in NBA doesn't happen at all" said Jones. "I have heard that a lot of Americans left because they were not able to adapt at this type of game. Having the family with them helped the Americans who decided to remain in Europe. I miss America, my family, my friends" added Jones who has played in NBA 91 games with Philadelphia, Denver, Houston, Miami, San Antonio and Memphis averaging 3.2ppg.

Jones criticized also practice, not understading why in Europe players must practice three or four days per week, twice a day. However Jones said that he is living an "extraordinary experience".

"Can I stay here another year?", asked to himself Jones. "I will think about it once at home during vacations".


Bobby Jones with Teramo averaged 12ppg in Eurocup and 10.9ppg in Serie A.

http://www.sportando.net/eng/italy/seriea/8185/bobby_jones_to_leave_teramo.html

[SenorSpur]

As much energy and faith as Pop has put forth into turning Matt Bonner into the next Robert Horry, he's not been able to come anywhere close to finding the next Bruce Bowen. At the same time, Pop and the Spurs have seemingly moved away from players whose defensive abilities are THEIR primary skill set.

That said, if I were the Spurs, I hone in on this guy and focus on developing him as a potential "lockdown" defender, at the SF position. Even if his offensive skills are not up to par, the Spurs have a full-time shooting instructor (Chip Engelland), so developing and refining his shooting touch would be a cinch. I really liked him the first time around. I would take a chance on this guy again. I'd have to think that he's at least worth a minimum "make-good" contract. Perhaps Jones could become Pop's new "Centerpiece".

[Blackjack]

If he ain't in their camp or on their radar it's because they like Hairston and Gee better. They haven't even been given their opportunity to show what they can really do, and these two actually have been with the team for a while -- Malik particularly.

If they brought in for competition it wouldn't bother me. But the only reason his name came up is because someone started a thread based on a quote made in 2006. :lol