It's like I was saying with Danny Green. ST takes Jones for granted and are too focused on his perceived shortcomings to appreciate the things he does do well. No, Jones isn't on Green's level, but he'd absolutely be able to go to compe ive teams and play a key role for them.
Finding the balance among him, Paul and Castle will be one of the more interesting tasks for Pop to work on this season. Add in Wesley looking in line to get some minutes, and it only gets more interesting.
I'd roll into the season with this rotation:
Paul, Jones
Wesley, Champagnie
Castle, Johnson
Sochan, Barnes
Wembanyama, Collins
That spacing would be questionable, but I would have that starting unit as a real candidate for best defensive lineup in the league. Yes, you could bring in Barnes or Champ for Wesley, Castle or Sochan. But I'd want to do that if/when the spacing proves to be an issue rather than preemptively removing the possibility. The second unit still has a lot of talent and walks the balance of Keldon being the clear sixth man while also having other answers if required. When Vassell comes back, I think you might have to drop Collins from the rotation. Pop is experimenting with Barnes, Sochan and Mamu playing center. I get he kind of has to right now, but the best 10 guys may not include Zach.