The Phoenix Suns dumped Tyus Jones after a disastrous lone season, and the gamble was immediately proven right by the veteran guard. They enter the season without a true point guard on their roster, but the Suns were happy to get rid of Jones. He joined the Magic in free agency and went scoreless in a disastrous opening night performance against the Heat.
Jones averaged 10.2 points, 5.3 assists, 2.4 rebounds, and 0.9 steals in 26.8 minutes per game for the Suns. He shot 44.8 percent from the field and 41.4 percent on his threes. Those are strong numbers, but he was eventually benched amid the team’s struggles. Jones wanted his shot to start, but he was overmatched in that role. The Suns were happy to get him on the veteran minimum and were quick to move on when things didn’t work.
The Magic wanted to revamp their offense this season in hopes of improving their odds of winning the wide open Eastern Conference. They traded for Desmond Bane and signed Tyus Jones. The 29-year-old point guard was viewed as a key piece, but things quickly backfired.
Suns immediately vindicated as Tyus Jones struggles in opener
The Suns' point guard questions got so bad this offseason that some fans were rooting for a Russell Westbrook signing. The future Hall of Famer ended up on the Kings, but the desperation speaks volumes. Phoenix’s speed of moving on from Jones was questionable, but those inquiries were quickly answered.
Jones finished with zero points, three assists, two rebounds, one block, and two turnovers in 24 minutes of action in the Magic's opener. He missed all four of his field goal attempts, and Orlando was outscored by 17 points with him on the floor. His defense was a problem and left Magic fans shaking their heads. It was a nightmare debut for the veteran point guard.
The Suns had a negative-3.1 net rating when Jones was in the game last season, which was 0.7 points worse than when he was on the bench. The problem continued in his first game with the Magic. He is coming off the bench this season and may ultimately be removed from the rotation if he can’t get it together.
The Suns switched to a defensive identity after moving on from Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. Jones certainly didn’t fit that mold and was frustrated after being benched midseason. It was best for both sides to move on, and it looks like the Suns will continue to look genius for making this bold move.
The Phoenix Suns are building around Devin Booker and quickly found out Tyus Jones didn’t fit last season. Things may still be rough in the Valley of the Sun, but at least their Jones problems are gone. They are searching for their point guard. Jones wasn’t the answer, and he isn’t in Orlando either. Credit goes to the Suns for quickly moving on and resetting.