You've got to remember players will usually give extra effort on occasions like these. It was a test for him and he needed to get an A+. I'm not saying it was a complete fluke, but things like his "high motor" may not be as high, if he eventually settles into the rotation and a starting spot.
I think his ceiling is a combination of Josh Smith and Thadeus Young, which is really good. Just hope he doesn't fall in love with the jumper. D-League did him some good. He's not out of control like T-rob is right now. If only we could give him Dmo's sick post moves.
I still think Jones' top-end NBA comparison is Josh Smith, although Jones might actually be bigger and stronger. People forget that the kid only turned 21 in January. With the wing-span, athleticism and bulk, he's got a great combination of unique physical measureables. and 6'9.5", 252 pounds, with a 7'2" wing-span is definitely not "undersized". He's a 4. Interestingly, he was a great shot-blocker in college; a natural really. that part of his game hasn't been featured much as of yet, but once it does ...he has a chance to be a difference-maker defensively in the paint.
Looks promising...but I won't knee jerk like we do with every other power forward who has a great game.
He's a rookie and this was just his 3rd game in the NBA with extensive playing time... No disappointment at all on my end because I'm excited that we have a player that understands how tall he is and attacks the basket with bad intentions with consistency.
He isnt Antonio McDyess or Shawn Kemp or even TRob athletically, but he is still a better athlete than 75% of power forwards and can put the ball on the floor a bit. Before he was labeled a tweener without a position, he we was going to be a top 5 pick. He is a little small for my taste, but I could see his upside being Josh Howard type impact... which next to Parsons and Harden and Lin would be pretty nice.
T-rob, D-mo and TJ... let them fight it out for a couple of years and one of them is going to be real good for the rest of the decade. I still don't see any old Mc Hale offensive moves though <iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/HuErIOBxwxo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
I'm really glad this happened, T Jones has been slogging away in the D League, and when we got T Rob, I thought T Jones wouldn't get a legitimate shot to make rotation. But this shows that McHale is willing to give guys a chance to prove themselves. I hope he gets good minutes next game.
He never got a chance all year, but he took advantage of the minutes he was given last night. You could tell he was nervous before he made two free throws, but he's learning to play through it. I guess the time in RGV might have helped. Our current PFs rank: Jones, Robinson, Smith, Motiejunas I think Robinson has the highest ceiling if he reaches his potential. D-Mo has more potential than Smith and he should reach it if he works on his quickness during the off-season.