Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 players for the team’s long-term core
By Ethan Becker
3. Tyus Jones
Sentimentality isn’t the best reason to keep a player around, but with Tyus Jones, it’s definitely something to consider.
Not that Jones’ production hasn’t been good for Minnesota. In the 23 games he started last season, Jones averaged 10.8 points and 1.5 steals per game, on 44.6 percent shooting from the field and 32.8 percent shooting from 3-point range. He also averaged 7.5 assists per game, which would have been enough to put him seventh in the NBA, instead of where he actually ended up, 32nd with 4.5 per game.
Jones also impressed with his advanced metrics, placing third in the NBA in Defensive Loose Ball Recovery Percent with 75.9 percent per 48 minutes, and he was also in the top 50 in points off assists with 12.1 per 48 minutes.
But what is probably the most impactful reason to keep Jones for the long-term is the legacy it would leave. Growing up in Minnesota, Jones is a hometown hero type of player, and keeping him on the Timberwolves for the length of his career will give something for both the fans and Jones’ family to look back fondly on.