Eliav GabayVideo by Jordan Spurgeon
It’s no secret that some of Phoenix’s biggest weaknesses last season included depth and a stagnant offense when it mattered most.
Specifically, the Suns couldn’t take care of the basketball or find a rhythm without a true point guard running the show.
Not only were their prayers answered in Tyus Jones – he chose winning over getting paid more elsewhere – agreeing to a one-year, $3.3 million deal.
“I know [Booker, Durant, & Beal] have a lot on their plate when it comes to scoring the ball, leading, showing up every night and everyone following their lead,” Jones said. “Last year, I know Book, Brad had to do a lot of playing the one…they can do that but what they really do is put the ball in the basket.”
Going into his 10th year in the league, he’s still searching for that always-elusive first NBA championship to add to his resumé.
Last year on the Washington Wizards, Jones notched career-high’s in points (12), assists (7.3), rebounds (2.7), field goal percentage (48.9%), and three-point percentage (41.4%).
“Talking with Coach Bud – how he envisions me fitting in,” Jones said. “Being the orchestrator. Being the playmaker. Trying to make it easier for Book, KD, Brad and the rest of the guys. Facilitating, setting the table, and ultimately, just doing what I do.”
He also put up 485 assists to just 66 turnovers last season. That 7.35 assist-to-turnover ratio is the best single-season ratio in league history, per Suns.
Not to mention, he’s been at the top in assist-to-turnover ratio for six straight seasons.
Needless to say, we’re just as excited as Jones to see him play alongside Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal.
“I know it’s going to be up to me to put them in the right spots,” Jones said. “That’s being a point guard. That’s being a leader…The fit was perfect and I’m looking forward to taking advantage of that.”
Now it’s up to head coach Mike Budenholzer to put it all together.
