Spurs Sign Bobby Jones

[Los Spurs]

SPURS SIGN BOBBY JONES TO 10-DAY CONTRACT

Forward Is NBA Development League’s 23rd Call-Up This Season



SAN ANTONIO - The San Antonio Spurs today announced they have signed forward Bobby Jones (#42) of the NBA Development League’s Sioux Falls Skyforce to a 10-day contract. Per club policy terms of the deal were not released.



Jones, a 6-7 forward, has played in 42 NBA games this season, averaging 4.0 points and 2.0 rebounds in 11.8 minutes per game. Jones started the season with Denver (23 games: 10/31-1/7) before being seeing action with Memphis (nine games: 1/10-1/30), Houston (four games: 2/26-3/6) and Miami (six games: 3/12-3/22). His best outing of the season came as a member of the Grizzlies when he finished with career-highs in points (20), rebounds (13) and assists (seven) in a 124-100 victory over Seattle on 1/18. Last season Jones appeared in 44 games with the Philadelphia 76ers, averaging 2.5 points and 1.4 rebounds in 7.8 minutes per game.



Jones has played in five games with the Sioux Falls Skyforce in between NBA stints, averaging 12.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists.



Jones was originally drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the 37th pick in the 2006 NBA Draft. His rights were then traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for a second round pick in the 2007 NBA Draft and cash considerations. Jones played four seasons at the University of Washington appearing in 125 career games (106 starts) and averaged 9.8 points and 4.9 rebounds. He earned Honorable Mention All-Pac-10 honors as a senior and finished as the 20th all-time leading scorer in Washington history with 1,226 points while also ranking fourth all-time with 134 career steals.



Here’s a closer look at Jones’ player movement throughout the 2007-08 season:



9/10 – Nuggets acquire Steven Hunter and Jones from the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Reggie Evans and the draft rights to Ricky Sanchez.

1/7 – Waived by Nuggets

1/10 – Signs 10-contract with Memphis Grizzlies

1/20 – Signs second 10-day contract with Grizzlies

2/9 – Acquired by Sioux Falls Skyforce (D-League)

2/26 – Signs 10-day contract with Houston Rockets

3/12 – Signs 10-day contract with Miami Heat

3/23 – Re-acquired by Sioux Falls Skyforce

4/1 – Signs 10-day contract with Spurs

[manufor3]

link?

[Bruno]

link?

http://www.nba.com/spurs/news/spurs_sign_bobby_jones_080401.html

[peacemaker885]

Since Pop says Brent might play at the end of the week, could this be for Horry?

[Budkin]

I just got this as a Text to my phone from Spurs.com. Never even heard of this guy. Why are we signing him?

[SPARKY]

http://www.nbadraft.net/admincp/profiles/bobbyjones.html

[ThomasGranger]

Wow, this sort of came out of nowhere. At first I thought it was an April fool's gag.

[Bruno]

Spurs were interested in him in January but he chooses to go to Memphis.
It's a quite logical choice even if I think that Spurs needed more an offensive player/shooter than another defensive specialist.
The timing is also really strange, Spurs needed badly a wing 2 weeks ago and they sign one now when Barry is on his way back.
I wouldn't be surprised to see him play today : Spurs will play a lot of small ball today and an extra swingman won't be a luxury.

[ThomasGranger]

http://www.nbadraft.net/admincp/profiles/bobbyjones.html

They rank his passing and ball handling at zero! I didn't even think they gave out scores that low. Sounds like the anti-Barry.

[JamStone]

Kid is solid and it's surprising he hasn't found a home in the NBA yet. Has solid all around skills at both ends of the floor. Can guard big forwards and smaller, quicker guards. Has a decent stroke. He just doesn't excel at any one thing but is solid in most aspects of the game. Played with Brandon Roy and Nate Robinson at Washington and was their defensive stopper, often having to guard college power forwards and centers. He also played with Tyson Chandler in high school in Compton, same school Tayshaun Prince went to and the late, great Dennis Johnson.

[JamStone]

They rank his passing and ball handling at zero! I didn't even think they gave out scores that low. Sounds like the anti-Barry.


Would venture a guess that they didn't rate him in those categories rather than they actually felt he had zero ability in them.

[SPARKY]

NBA Comparison: Bruce Bowen

Strengths: Big, athletic guard that can really defend on and off the ball...One of the best defensive shooting guards in college basketball...Tough as nails...Excellent rebounder for his size...Led UofW in rebounding last season...Gifted athlete who runs and jumps with the best of them... Tremendous lateral quickness...Great basketball IQ "Plays within himself" and a motor that doesn't stop... Great in transition and finishes well at the rim... Rapidly improving his jump shot and outside game...Wants the ball in crunch time and hit many big shots for the Huskies...An all out hustler who plays with the kind of intangibles that coaches love.

Weaknesses: Ball handling needs to improve to play the 2 at the next level...Moving without the ball... Free-throw shooting...Often foul prone, may be because of his aggressive defensive style, but still fouls out too often...Needs to continue to improve outside shot... Not enough attempts to determine how well he really shoots from the perimeter yet and does not have NBA range at this time.
Sean Marsh - 7/15/2005


from nbadraft.net link above.

[degenerate_gambler]

Wow, this sort of came out of nowhere. At first I thought it was an April fool's gag.



No...

this Bobby Jones would've been an April Fool's joke..

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a40/dgnerate_gamblr/68d7_2.jpg

[Los Spurs]

No...

this Bobby Jones would've been an April Fool's joke..

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a40/dgnerate_gamblr/68d7_2.jpg


:lmao

[Solid D]

Suit him up tonight. They could use another wing to help defend GS, a team full of wing players.

[ancestron]

wtf

[hater]

I guess Spurs official waterboy got sick?

[timvp]

I like the signing. I've seen him play a couple times this year and he's pretty good. I was actually shocked when the Heat let him go to sign the other D-League scrubs they did. I honestly think the Heat thought Bobby Jones was too good for them to fully tank as much as they wanted to :lol

It'd be nice if the Spurs ended up signing him for the rest of the season eventually. He's not as offensively inept as a lot of those scouting reports make him seem. He's also not as defensively talented, either. He's just a pretty solid wing.

As a sixth wing, I agree with the Spurs that he's the best option on the market. They should take a look at him and if he shows any potential, they can sign him for the rest of the season and then have him play on their summer league team. Oh and maybe for the Toros in the playoffs.

Since he's played for other teams recently, I doubt he'd be eligible for the NBA playoffs ... which would make keeping him pretty weird.

[YODA]

I guess Spurs official waterboy got sick?


Just to funny....Does seem like odd time to bring someone in. Didnt we have a set rotation?? Some things just dont make sense.
OH well, Ill still never argue what the FO does. Been proven wrong once to many times.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Just to funny....Does seem like odd time to bring someone in. Didnt we have a set rotation?? Some things just dont make sense.
OH well, Ill still never argue what the FO does. Been proven wrong once to many times.


I think this has more to do with Horry being out and the Spurs still awaiting the return of Brent Barry. Pop is also doing his best not to overplay players (seeing as how they aren't in too much danger of missing the playoffs anymore) so Bobby Jones is pretty much an extra body to use when the main rotation players need some rest.


That's my take.

[Bruno]

Since he's played for other teams recently, I doubt he'd be eligible for the NBA playoffs ... which would make keeping him pretty weird.

He is eligible for the playoffs.
A player isn't eligible if he has been waived after March 1st. You aren't waived at the end of a 10 days contract.

[timvp]

The Spurs signed him because they have some extra money to spend beneath the luxury cap threshold. Signing a player right now is worth it even if you just want to take a look at a player in practice and secure their rights going into next season.

[timvp]

He is eligible for the playoffs.
A player isn't eligible if he has been waived after March 1st. You aren't waived at the end of a 10 days contract.Ah, good point. Thanks for the info :tu

Well, that makes it more likely that he'd be signed for the rest of the season. Seeing as there is less than 20 days before the end of the regular season, do you know if the Spurs can even sign him to a second ten-day contract or would they just have to sign him for the rest of the season?

[Bruno]

Seeing as there is less than 20 days before the end of the regular season, do you know if the Spurs can even sign him to a second ten-day contract or would they just have to sign him for the rest of the season?

I think that they could sign to a second ten days contract but he won't be able to play for the playoffs.

[Bruno]

And for crazy theory adepts, CIA Toros.

Toros have a good chance to face Jones' former team in playoffs.
Taking one of their top players isn't a bad idea even more that Spurs could assign Jones to Toros for the D-League playoffs.

:smokin

[Solid D]

Is he this year's Dion Glover? :smokin

[Brutalis]

Seen some videos and he actually looks decent.

But Darius Washington got dropped down and is better so I dunno what the Spurs have in mind other than just scouting the guy in some Spurs practices.

[nfg3]

The Spurs signed him because they have some extra money to spend beneath the luxury cap threshold. Signing a player right now is worth it even if you just want to take a look at a player in practice and secure their rights going into next season.

Was thinking along those lines myself in that if he is any good then this would be a good investment. We're always on the lookout for a solid wing for this team.

[yavozerb]

I really do think this more for the toros team more than anything...Givs Barry another 10 days of workouts to get into shape, Gives the spurs a chance for a closer look at Jones, and then sign him for the toros come playoff time. In the end the Toros and the Spurs might have a combined championship parade at the riverwalk.

[Los Spurs]

I really do think this more for the toros team more than anything...Givs Barry another 10 days of workouts to get into shape, Gives the spurs a chance for a closer look at Jones, and then sign him for the toros come playoff time. In the end the Toros and the Spurs might have a combined championship parade at the riverwalk.


Amen to that :angel

[picnroll]

I guess this pretty much puts the nail in the coffin about how highly the Spurs regarded Marcus Williams.

[wildbill2u]

And for crazy theory adepts, CIA Toros.

Toros have a good chance to face Jones' former team in playoffs.
Taking one of their top players isn't a bad idea even more that Spurs could assign Jones to Toros for the D-League playoffs.

:smokin
Man, that D League is Macchiavellian.

[timvp]

I guess this pretty much puts the nail in the coffin about how highly the Spurs regarded Marcus Williams.Good point. The Spurs must have thought he was an ultimate scrub. To value a guy that they've barely seen more than they valued a guy who they spent a relatively high draft pick on says a lot.

[phxspurfan]

Seen some videos and he actually looks decent.

But Darius Washington got dropped down and is better so I dunno what the Spurs have in mind other than just scouting the guy in some Spurs practices.


Is DW in Europe? I just found out he wa son the McDonald's All-American team. That's pretty good pedigree for a team to just scrap.

[DAINTX]

http://www.nba.com/dleague/siouxfalls/

http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/index.jsp?player=bobby_ray_jones

[tp2021]

NBA Comparison: Bruce Bowen

Sounds good to me, especially against Baron's Beards tonite.

[Mr. Body]

I like it, if probably it means nothing long term. I was hoping the Spurs wd draft him 2 years ago and was ticked 2 see him go 2 Philly, who had just drafted Rodney Carney and had Andre Iguodala as SFs.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

This guy was three assists away from a triple double in a game earlier this year, he can play.

I like the signing. :tu

[loveforthegame]

I like the signing too. He was talked about here not that long ago. The timing seems weird but it certainly doesn't hurt to get a look at him.

[Mr. Body]

This guy was three assists away from a triple double in a game earlier this year, he can play.


Bonner had 26 and 17 against Los Angeles!!! OMGZZ!!! Let's sign two of him!

The case for Jones can't be made in one game. Against freaking Seattle.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

With the Spurs settling into their playoff rotations this signing just seems too odd.








What day is it again?

[ChumpDumper]

Decent enough choice for the future, although he's probably not going to be able to score much at an NBA level at this point. Who cares about scoring anyway? The Spurs probably just now have enough room to sign somebody -- better late than never.

[ShoogarBear]

Just in time for the Masters . . .

[NuGGeTs-FaN]

awesome signing. I wish the Nuggs had kept him. He needs to be kept by a team and groomed. He can play great D and even had a nice offensive game in Denver, during the preseason anyway lol

[milkyway21]

Bobby Jones, who?

Are we in need of add'l cheerer? Is the Coyote not enough?:D

His name sounds like more of a movie star than a basketball player to me.

hope he'd give us quality minutes than just sitting on the bench. Now a lot more Spurs players will be competing for playing time in the playoffs. Bonner vs Jones, anyone?

[Spurs Brazil]

Spurs sign Bobby Jones
The Spurs announced Tuesday they signed Bobby Jones to a 10-day contract.

The 6-foot-7 forward had been playing with the Sioux Falls Skyforce of the Developmental League, where he played five games and averaged 12.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists.

Jones is active for tonight's game. Brent Barry and Robert Horry are on the inactive list.

About two hours before Tuesday's Spurs-Warriors game, Jones was out on the AT&T Center floor with Matt Bonner and two members of the Spurs staff, going through some drills. The interesting threesome of Spurs shooting coach Chip Engelland, forward/center Fabricio Oberto and the Spurs Coyote were standing near midcourt and talking during Jones' workout.

Jones has played in 42 NBA games this season. He played 23 games with the Denver Nuggets, nine with the Memphis Grizzlies, four with the Houston Rockets and six with the Miami Heat. Heaveraged 4.0 points and 2.0 rebounds in 11.8 minutes.

- Joe Alexander, with statistics from a Spurs news release
http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/spursworld/2008/04/spurs_sign_bobby_jones.html

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Bonner had 26 and 17 against Los Angeles!!! OMGZZ!!! Let's sign two of him!

The case for Jones can't be made in one game. Against freaking Seattle.

Ass. It was just an observation. Not what I was basing him being a great signing on.

I watched him when he was with Memphis earlier this year, he was playing some great on the ball defense and seemed to have a pretty good basketball IQ. Lock him in on contract, put him in the Stephen Jackson School of Spur, and let's see what he can do next year.

[milkyway21]

The interesting threesome of Spurs shooting coach Chip Engelland, forward/center Fabricio Oberto and the Spurs Coyote were standing near midcourt and talking during Jones' workout.

:oops :lol

[picnroll]

The glimpse of Jones I liked what I saw. Good defense, pass the ball well, didn't press to impress.

[DieMrBond]

Damn, i skipped this thread assuming it was an Aprils Fools... didnt i feel like an arse when i saw his name on the online box scores...unless of course everyone is in on it ;)

[Mr. Body]

Dude played with Brandon Roy, right?

[SPARKY]

The interesting threesome of Spurs shooting coach Chip Engelland, forward/center Fabricio Oberto and the Spurs Coyote were standing near midcourt and talking during Jones' workout.

No doubt the Coyote was regaling Chip and Fabbs with stories about the crazy tail he picks up at home games.

[jag]

Decent enough choice for the future, although he's probably not going to be able to score much at an NBA level at this point. Who cares about scoring anyway? The Spurs probably just now have enough room to sign somebody -- better late than never.

I'm still wondering why they got rid of Darius Washington. The guy looked like he could play at a high level. Is there a possibility of him being back or do you think that's a done deal??

[boutons_]

Will Ian be warming the playoff bench?

[Princess Pimp]

9/10 – Nuggets acquire Steven Hunter and Jones from the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Reggie Evans and the draft rights to Ricky Sanchez.

1/7 – Waived by Nuggets

1/10 – Signs 10-contract with Memphis Grizzlies

1/20 – Signs second 10-day contract with Grizzlies

2/9 – Acquired by Sioux Falls Skyforce (D-League)

2/26 – Signs 10-day contract with Houston Rockets

3/12 – Signs 10-day contract with Miami Heat

3/23 – Re-acquired by Sioux Falls Skyforce

4/1 – Signs 10-day contract with Spurs


No wonder...

the guy SUCKS!

[Trainwreck2100]

I'm still wondering why they got rid of Darius Washington. The guy looked like he could play at a high level. Is there a possibility of him being back or do you think that's a done deal??


I doubt it, rumor is he had trouble playing within the system.

[Brutalis]

The glimpse of Jones I liked what I saw. Good defense, pass the ball well, didn't press to impress.
hmm good insight I didn't get to see.

And JaG I posted about Wash as well. He seemed real solid and a shot at playing backup roles within the Spurs system.

[Radiosparks]

From MYSA.com

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said Jones' acquisition will give the Spurs a chance to evaluate adding him to their summer league roster.

Jones relishes this chance.

“If anything, I'd like for this to be my last stop,” he said. “They do it right here. It's a veteran lineup, and I can learn a lot just being around these guys.”

[T Park]

I'm still wondering why they got rid of Darius Washington. The guy looked like he could play at a high level. Is there a possibility of him being back or do you think that's a done deal??


His seemingly boneheaded play along with not playing within the system and not play defense were his downfall.

[Demo Dick Marcinko]

hmm good insight I didn't get to see.

And JaG I posted about Wash as well. He seemed real solid and a shot at playing backup roles within the Spurs system.

He was more productive and played with more energy and was even a decent defender I think then Stoudamire. But Pop favors experience.

[MarCowMar]

I got the impression the Spurs liked Washington but he asked them to let him go because he had a guaranteed contract offer overseas. Washington is no guarantee to make it in the NBA so I can understand why he'd want to take it.

[coopdogg3]

Here's what Draft Express thinks of Bobby, seems like a consumate Spur.

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Bobby-Jones-351/

Strengths
Bobby Jones is a defensive stopper in the truest sense. He has great size and quickness and moves his feet intelligently, always staying in front of his man and taking great pride in harassing whoever he is guarding. He is a versatile defender as well; being used in college to defend any position on the court 1-5. Jones does a good job with post defense and he can defend shorter players on the perimeter as well. He is exceptional at sliding his feet from side to side, knowing when to extend or advance his on the ball defensive position and having the instincts to retreat backwards while staying in his defensive stance and keeping his technique.

He is not incredibly thick or bulky as a player physically but is a very good athlete overall. He runs the court well, can slash to the hoop, finish in traffic and make some agile plays while in the air. He is a quick leaper as well that can get off the ground in a hurry. Jones has a very good wingspan and uses it on defense to get into the passing lanes and pick up steals.

Jones is mostly a role player and doesn’t seem to have a problem with that. Offensively he is a decent slasher, being able to take a few short dribbles with his right hand to get to the hoop. Jones moves well without the ball, cutting to the basket and looking for opportunities to come up with cheap baskets in the paint. Once at the rim, he has the length and athleticism to finish well at the hoop.

Most of his scoring opportunities on offense will come in the form of put backs off offensive rebounds or layups created by teammates. Jones anticipates well and uses his quick leaping ability on the glass to get the ball at its highest point. For a SG or SF he is an above average rebounder, and can also use his length and quickness to get loose balls on defense and offense.

Bobby Jones is not going to be a star at the next level, instead he is your consummate role player who could be a true defensive stopper in the NBA under the right coach. The special thing about Jones is the defensive versatility he has shown in college, being asked to guard all positions on the floor. If asked to switch on a screen in the NBA this will come in very handy as he is used to defending all kinds of
offensive players, which will increase his value at the next level. He is a smart defender, and he just understands that part of the game.

It would have been very easy for Jones, a starter for years at Washington to demand more shots and more of a role on offense. He did not do that though, he just did what was asked of and in many ways relished and grew into that role. If asked to set screens he did that, if asked to defend a bigger, larger player than him in the post he did that, if asked to guard a quick athletic scoring guard he did that as well.

In terms of intangibles, Jones is about as solid as they come. His coaches rave about his work ethic and attitude off the court, and he’s known as a quiet hard-working type off the court as well.


Weaknesses
The biggest concern about Jones is whether he is going to be an offensive liability at the next level.

For a player that is going to be a SG/SF in the NBA, he does not handle the basketball very well, particularly with his left hand. He is effective when he can take one or two steps and go to the hoop; however he has shown problems effectively handling the ball for longer periods of time than that. That will hurt him because he has the athletic ability to finish strong at the hoop and still does at times, but it makes him less of an offensive weapon because he cannot attack off the dribble as effectively as most guards or wings.

To truly develop into the type of role player that can be valuable to an NBA team, Jones must continue to hone his perimeter shooting. He has shown the ability to knock down 3-pointers over his career at Washington, but has been very streaky and hasn’t always had to green light from his coaching staff to take these types of shots. He has range on his jumper, but his mechanics are the main thing holding him back, releasing the ball from too far in front of his body in a way that does not allow him to get a consistent release point on his shot. Jones can knock down 3’s with his feet set, but when pressured he struggles to get it off. Jones will not be a great three-point shooter at the next level, but for the defense to respect him he will have to improve that part of his game a great deal

With his lack of consistent slashing and perimeter shooting skills, Jones is a fairly limited player who needs offense created for him by teammates. It’s not so much strictly a lack of ability that is the sole concern with Jones, but also a tendency to be extremely passive on the court and pass up wide open shots on the offensive end. Jones dispelled these concerns a bit with the way he performed at Portsmouth, but the tapes from his senior year show otherwise.

Ideally, Jones would have an offensive game equal to the greatness of his defensive game, but he does not. However in the NBA defensive players can usually stay on the court longer than just pure offensive players can because they are not a liability on defense. With that being the case if he shows any glimpse of an offensive game be it short put backs off offensive rebounds or just simply hitting the open jump shot, he should be able to find a way to stay on the floor.

Competition
Statistics really don’t do Jones credit because statistics do not numerically chart the impact a defensive player can make on the game outside of steals, rebounds and blocks, which he refuses to gamble for just to pad his numbers. Where Jones is a standout is his defensive foot speed and technique on the defensive end. He has put up some solid games in a solid Pac-10 conference however. No matter if he is matched up against a guard or a post player, he will always do a very solid job on the defensive end.

Outlook
Jones likely has the athletic ability and the defensive ability to stick in the NBA until he develops the rest of his game. His overall weaknesses in ball handling and shooting will limit what he can
do at the next level, however, a defender is a defender and at his size with his athletic skills, he can play at the next level and be a great defensive stopper.

If he shoots the three like he did as a sophomore or senior he will be in trouble, but since he has proven he can play guard and is not considered just a skinny post player he is currently is a solid 2nd round pick potentially.

What greatly helped his stock beyond his showing at Portsmouth was his performance against Dee Brown and James Augustine in the NCAA tournament. This was a great showcase of how he can change a game with his on the ball and post defense.

[ThomasGranger]

Note to Bobby Jones: if you want a shot at being on the Spurs next year study Bruce and Ime and work on your three point shot!

[wildbill2u]

Note to Bobby Jones: if you want a shot at being on the Spurs next year study Bruce and Ime and work on your three point shot!
Another note to B. Jones: Ask Chip if he will adopt you.

[Solid D]

Bobby got some nice minutes last night vs. the Warriors. He had fairly quick reactions, feet and hands. He instinctively helped on D and he created a steal and a near-steal. He didn't have much of an idea of where to go on offense but who can blame him for that?

Also, I'm not all about the latest basketball shoe fashions but it looked like Bobby Jones either borrowed Coach Mike Bud's workout shoes or just wore his "every days". He was sliding around a bit out there. I think I saw a pair of those models tied together by their shoe-laces and hanging down from a power line on Bandera Road. My guess is Bobby will have some new ones on his feet for the next game.

[SenorSpur]

His seemingly boneheaded play along with not playing within the system and not play defense were his downfall.

Wow! That's interesting stuff about D-Wash. Even more because they chose to keep him on the opening day roster. Personally I didn't think his defense was that bad. It certainly wasn't any worse than say, a Damon Stoudamire. But hey, I'm not the coach. I'm sure they saw something else. Based on that, I wouldn't assume he'll be back in Spurs training camp anytime soon.

[SenorSpur]

Here's what Draft Express thinks of Bobby, seems like a consumate Spur.

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Bobby-Jones-351/

Strengths
Bobby Jones is a defensive stopper in the truest sense. He has great size and quickness and moves his feet intelligently, always staying in front of his man and taking great pride in harassing whoever he is guarding. He is a versatile defender as well; being used in college to defend any position on the court 1-5. Jones does a good job with post defense and he can defend shorter players on the perimeter as well. He is exceptional at sliding his feet from side to side, knowing when to extend or advance his on the ball defensive position and having the instincts to retreat backwards while staying in his defensive stance and keeping his technique.

He is not incredibly thick or bulky as a player physically but is a very good athlete overall. He runs the court well, can slash to the hoop, finish in traffic and make some agile plays while in the air. He is a quick leaper as well that can get off the ground in a hurry. Jones has a very good wingspan and uses it on defense to get into the passing lanes and pick up steals.

Jones is mostly a role player and doesn’t seem to have a problem with that. Offensively he is a decent slasher, being able to take a few short dribbles with his right hand to get to the hoop. Jones moves well without the ball, cutting to the basket and looking for opportunities to come up with cheap baskets in the paint. Once at the rim, he has the length and athleticism to finish well at the hoop.

Most of his scoring opportunities on offense will come in the form of put backs off offensive rebounds or layups created by teammates. Jones anticipates well and uses his quick leaping ability on the glass to get the ball at its highest point. For a SG or SF he is an above average rebounder, and can also use his length and quickness to get loose balls on defense and offense.

Bobby Jones is not going to be a star at the next level, instead he is your consummate role player who could be a true defensive stopper in the NBA under the right coach. The special thing about Jones is the defensive versatility he has shown in college, being asked to guard all positions on the floor. If asked to switch on a screen in the NBA this will come in very handy as he is used to defending all kinds of
offensive players, which will increase his value at the next level. He is a smart defender, and he just understands that part of the game.

It would have been very easy for Jones, a starter for years at Washington to demand more shots and more of a role on offense. He did not do that though, he just did what was asked of and in many ways relished and grew into that role. If asked to set screens he did that, if asked to defend a bigger, larger player than him in the post he did that, if asked to guard a quick athletic scoring guard he did that as well.

In terms of intangibles, Jones is about as solid as they come. His coaches rave about his work ethic and attitude off the court, and he’s known as a quiet hard-working type off the court as well.


Weaknesses
The biggest concern about Jones is whether he is going to be an offensive liability at the next level.

For a player that is going to be a SG/SF in the NBA, he does not handle the basketball very well, particularly with his left hand. He is effective when he can take one or two steps and go to the hoop; however he has shown problems effectively handling the ball for longer periods of time than that. That will hurt him because he has the athletic ability to finish strong at the hoop and still does at times, but it makes him less of an offensive weapon because he cannot attack off the dribble as effectively as most guards or wings.

To truly develop into the type of role player that can be valuable to an NBA team, Jones must continue to hone his perimeter shooting. He has shown the ability to knock down 3-pointers over his career at Washington, but has been very streaky and hasn’t always had to green light from his coaching staff to take these types of shots. He has range on his jumper, but his mechanics are the main thing holding him back, releasing the ball from too far in front of his body in a way that does not allow him to get a consistent release point on his shot. Jones can knock down 3’s with his feet set, but when pressured he struggles to get it off. Jones will not be a great three-point shooter at the next level, but for the defense to respect him he will have to improve that part of his game a great deal

With his lack of consistent slashing and perimeter shooting skills, Jones is a fairly limited player who needs offense created for him by teammates. It’s not so much strictly a lack of ability that is the sole concern with Jones, but also a tendency to be extremely passive on the court and pass up wide open shots on the offensive end. Jones dispelled these concerns a bit with the way he performed at Portsmouth, but the tapes from his senior year show otherwise.

Ideally, Jones would have an offensive game equal to the greatness of his defensive game, but he does not. However in the NBA defensive players can usually stay on the court longer than just pure offensive players can because they are not a liability on defense. With that being the case if he shows any glimpse of an offensive game be it short put backs off offensive rebounds or just simply hitting the open jump shot, he should be able to find a way to stay on the floor.

Competition
Statistics really don’t do Jones credit because statistics do not numerically chart the impact a defensive player can make on the game outside of steals, rebounds and blocks, which he refuses to gamble for just to pad his numbers. Where Jones is a standout is his defensive foot speed and technique on the defensive end. He has put up some solid games in a solid Pac-10 conference however. No matter if he is matched up against a guard or a post player, he will always do a very solid job on the defensive end.

Outlook
Jones likely has the athletic ability and the defensive ability to stick in the NBA until he develops the rest of his game. His overall weaknesses in ball handling and shooting will limit what he can
do at the next level, however, a defender is a defender and at his size with his athletic skills, he can play at the next level and be a great defensive stopper.

If he shoots the three like he did as a sophomore or senior he will be in trouble, but since he has proven he can play guard and is not considered just a skinny post player he is currently is a solid 2nd round pick potentially.

What greatly helped his stock beyond his showing at Portsmouth was his performance against Dee Brown and James Augustine in the NCAA tournament. This was a great showcase of how he can change a game with his on the ball and post defense.


I love how the Spurs go after guys who have demonstrated a mindset and an appreciation for playing defense. This guy sounds defensively solid - even more so that perhaps Marcus Williams. It's a shame they burned a pick on a guy that isn't around here anymore.