Tre Jones is a young American basketball player who has been making waves in the NBA scene. With his impressive skills as a primary ball handler and his ability to lead his team to victory, many are starting to wonder – is Tre Jones good?
In this article, we will take a closer look at his career so far and assess whether or not he deserves to be recognized as a top player in the league.
Is Tre Jones Good?
From High School Star to Rising NBA Player
Tre Jones is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the San Antonio Spurs of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Before entering the professional league, Jones had an impressive career in high school and college basketball.
High School Career
Jones attended Apple Valley High School in Minnesota, where he played varsity basketball. He was not only one of the youngest players to join the team but also proved to be one of the most talented.
Jones started for his team in his sophomore year and led them to two state titles during his high school career.
He was also named Minnesota Gatorade Player of the Year twice and was honored as a McDonald’s All-American and Minnesota Mr. Basketball after his senior season.
College Career
After his successful high school career, Jones committed to Duke University for his college basketball. He made his college debut in November 2018 and played for two seasons with the Blue Devils.
During his sophomore season, he had a career-high 31 points in one game.
Professional Career
Jones was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs in the second round of the 2020 NBA draft. He officially joined the Spurs in November 2020, signing his contract with the team.
In his rookie season, he played in 43 games and has been one of the team’s primary ball handlers and starting point guards.
He is currently averaging 13.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game while shooting 45.1% from the field and 28.9% from beyond the arc.
National Team Career
Jones has also represented the United States in international competitions. He played for the U16 team in the FIBA Americas Under-16 Championship in Argentina and won the gold medal for his country.
He broke the American Under-16 record for steals in the competition, recording 19 steals in total.
Tre Jones has had a remarkable basketball career so far and has shown tremendous potential in the professional league.
His versatility and skill have made him an important asset to the San Antonio Spurs, and he will undoubtedly continue to impress in the years to come.
High School and College Career
Tre Jones had an outstanding high school career playing for Apple Valley High School in Minnesota. He joined the varsity team as an eighth-grader and became a starter in his next season.
Jones led Apple Valley to two Minnesota 4A state titles, in 2015 and 2017, and averaged 23.5 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 7.5 assists in the 2016–17 season.
He left as a two-time Minnesota Gatorade Player of the Year and earned McDonald’s All-American and Minnesota Mr. Basketball honors after his senior season.
Jones was known for his ability to lead his team and make his team better, as well as his excellent ball-handling and passing skills.
Jones played for the Duke Blue Devils in his freshman and sophomore years in college. He had an impressive debut game as he chipped in 6 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists in a 118–84 win over Kentucky at the Champions Classic.
Jones excelled throughout his freshman season, averaging 9.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.9 steals per game. He was named to the ACC All-Freshman Team and was also named ACC Tournament MVP as Duke won the championship title.
In his sophomore season, Jones returned to Duke and continued to improve his game. He had a career-high 31 points in a win over Georgetown and was named the ACC Player of the Week.
Jones also showed outstanding leadership on and off the court, becoming a captain for Duke in his second year.
He finished the season averaging 16.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. Jones decided to forgo his junior and senior years to enter the 2020 NBA draft.
Overall, Jones had an outstanding high school and college career, showcasing his ability to lead, handle the ball, pass, and score.
His talent and work ethic have earned him a spot in the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs, where he continues to develop and improve his game.
NBA Draft and Signing
Tre Jones was drafted into the NBA on November 18, 2020, in the second round of the NBA draft. He was selected by the San Antonio Spurs with the 41st pick overall.
How did he perform in the draft?
Jones was not a lottery pick, but his skills on the court were impressive enough to catch the attention of the Spurs. He was considered an excellent defensive player, and his work as a point guard was another asset.
Jones had a standout season in college basketball, and his overall play at Duke earned him an invitation to the NBA draft.
When did he sign with the Spurs?
Jones signed with the Spurs on November 27, 2020, after being drafted by the team in the second round. He was selected as a point guard, and his skills as a playmaker have been on display throughout the season.
Jones has now played 43 games for San Antonio as a rookie and has demonstrated his dedication to his craft as he continues to develop his skills in the league. Jones also received his first assignment at the G League on February 1, 2021.
Tre Jones’ draft and signing to the San Antonio Spurs were significant milestones in his basketball career.
He has had an impressive rookie season with the Spurs, and his play at Duke, as well as his performance with the United States National team, had earned him recognition as a talented young player.
With his continued development, Tre Jones has the potential to become a standout player in the NBA, and the Spurs organization is lucky to have him as a member of their team.
Current NBA Season
Tre Jones has had a successful rookie season with the San Antonio Spurs, having played 43 games thus far in the current NBA season.
He has proven his capabilities as a primary ball handler and starting point guard for the team, with an average of 13.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game.
However, he has struggled with his three-point shooting, currently holding a 28.9% shooting percentage from beyond the arc.
Jones’ contributions to the team extend beyond the statistics. He has established himself as a reliable playmaker and has shown his ability to facilitate the offense and create opportunities for his teammates.
His quick hands and active defense have also been noteworthy, as he has recorded 1.5 steals per game this season.
Jones’ ability to adapt to the NBA game has been impressive, especially considering the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic.
The virus has made it challenging for players to adjust to the league and mature as professionals, due to the current absence of packed crowds and the typical NBA schedule.
Despite these challenges, Jones has maintained his consistent performance and has continued to improve throughout the season.
Looking forward, Jones has the potential to develop into a high-level point guard in the league. His playmaking abilities and strong defense demonstrate great potential, and his work ethic and determination suggest he has the ambition and drive to improve upon his weaknesses.
As he gains more experience in the league, Jones’ future prospects are looking bright, not only for himself but for his team as well.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Jones has demonstrated several strengths as a basketball player. He is a highly-skilled ball handler who excels in creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. He has the exceptional court vision and can make accurate passes even in tight spaces.
Jones is a tenacious defender, with quick hands and excellent anticipation, allowing him to average 1.2 steals per game in his rookie season. He is also an effective rebounder, using his agility and height (6’3″) to grab an average of 3.7 rebounds per game this season.
Efficient Scorer
Jones is also an efficient scorer, with an ability to finish at the rim and hit mid-range pull-up jumpers. He’s shown a willingness to take charge of the game when the team needs it, with the ability to make clutch shots and free throws.
Furthermore, Jones is a high-character person, with great leadership skills and a strong work ethic. He’s highly motivated and determined to improve every aspect of his game, both physically and mentally, as well as his understanding of the game.
Areas where he Needs to Improve
Despite his strengths, Jones also has some areas where he needs to improve. One of his primary weaknesses is his three-point shooting, which stood at 28.9% this season.
Jones needs to work on improving his shot mechanics and consistency to become a more reliable scorer from beyond the arc.
Jones also needs to improve his decision-making under pressure, as he sometimes turns the ball over when attempting to make flashy passes or drive to the basket. He can sometimes be too aggressive and force plays, leading to careless turnovers.
Moreover, Jones needs to continue to build strength to withstand the physical nature of the NBA better. Despite his agility, he can struggle at times to guard bigger and stronger players, leading to defensive breakdowns.
Jones has shown immense potential as a young player, and his strengths outweigh his weaknesses. If he continues to work on his areas of improvement, he has the potential to develop into an all-star caliber player in the NBA.
The San Antonio Spurs have a bright future with Jones as one of their young stars.
To Recap
After looking at Tre Jones’ professional career, it’s safe to say that he is a talented player with a lot of potentials. Despite being relatively new to the NBA, he has already proven himself to be a valuable asset to the San Antonio Spurs.
His skill as a primary ball handler and his ability to make key plays when it counts has led his team to many victories this season. While he still has room for improvement, it’s clear that Tre Jones is a player to watch in the future.
With his talent and dedication to the sport, he has the potential to become one of the top players in the league.
