If you aren't getting a Harden/Howard level talent back, you can't trade this guy. Basically, If you aren't getting Kevin Love, you better hold on to TJ.
Drain all homerism from the analysis, just what is Jones' realistic ceiling after he gets a full season of games under his belt?
Yeah he definitely needs a better nickname than TJones, which is super-lame. And Jonesing still reminds me too much of being on crack. Hmm.. he's ferocious, moves pretty smooth, and he played for the wildcats.. How about the Panther?
You can't place ceiling on a guy yet because the Rockets let their players develop slowly. Landry was a pure garbageman to begin his career, and by the time he left he had both a mid-range jumper and a post-game. Parsons went from being a potential 3D guy to kind of a jack of all trades today. I can't think of an exact player to compare him to, but I think in terms of impact he can reach maybe top 30ish in the NBA.
Whatever ceiling you put on him is subjective. He's a good tweener who can defend multiple positions. If TJ can refine his handle, improve outside shooting and increase his overall quickness, he could be a superstar. I don't know if it's just me, but he looks stronger with better vertical now. I know Rose claimed he got better vertical after rehab earlier this season, so it happens for some players...
I've been a fan of Terrance Jones since we drafted him and I've been watching him closely lately because I feel like with his production we should be a much better, more consistent team. He's playing at a high level on offense and even blocking shots. So what's the problem? He's invisible on the block. He gets pushed around and moved out of position. He is big and strong but plays smaller. He looks like Mo Taylor out there when he tries to get in rebounding position or defends a big. Unlike Landry or Taylor, Jones has the potential to get better in this area. And should. I hope...
I think Josh Smith with a trade off between less athleticism but better shot selection is his realistic ceiling. A great player, but not exactly the right fit for this team. If Morey gets the right offer, it would be smart to trade him for a player that makes this team more competitive in the present.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>For 2 tix 2 tonights game, name 3 PF <=22 yrs old who D rebounded > 20% of misses, blocked 4% or more of shots & >55% true shooting%</p>— Daryl Morey (@dmorey) <a href="https://twitter.com/dmorey/statuses/425323357379112960">January 20, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Winner RT <a href="https://twitter.com/CameronShekari">@CameronShekari</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/dmorey">@dmorey</a> Terrence Jones, Anthony Davis and Serge Ibaka</p>— Daryl Morey (@dmorey) <a href="https://twitter.com/dmorey/statuses/425324866984611840">January 20, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Full list Shawn Kemp, Tim Duncan, <a href="https://twitter.com/sergeibaka9">@sergeibaka9</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/AntDavis23">@AntDavis23</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/TerrenceJones1">@TerrenceJones1</a></p>— Daryl Morey (@dmorey) <a href="https://twitter.com/dmorey/statuses/425325813886504960">January 20, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Crap... Recent NEWS Terrence Jones (bruised thigh) "really hopes" that he can play on Monday but his status remains uncertain. He better play tonight against Blazers.
If he ends up being OT, that's freaking great! He had a very long career and he was an 18/10 guy for almost a decade. That said, he couldn't block a shot. SAR, Shawn Marion, and Josh Smith come to mind when I think of Jones' potential.
Comparing TJ to OT is like apples and oranges, really. They are nothing alike. On another positive note:
Wow, you find interesting stats in the weirdest places, and the latest NBA power ranking has one that's a doozy. Credit to. http://espn.go.com/nba/powerrankings That's amazing. Obviously, not as cut and dry as implies, but still amazing.
