The Santa Cruz Warriors, the G-League affiliate of the Golden State Warriors, just got a little bit stronger. Former first-round pick Terrence Jones agreed to a deal with Santa Cruz, and should be with the team within a few days.
Well look who's playing hoops state-side again? Former lottery pick Terrence Jones, I'm told, is signing with the Santa Cruz Warriors https://t.co/WcgjH9ZETh
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) December 13, 2017
Jones comes with some pedigree and potential. The 6’9” highly-athletic forward was drafted 18th overall in 2012, and quickly earned a role as a quality NBA wing, who was capable of playing multiple positions on defense.
After four years with the Houston Rockets, Jones joined the New Orleans Pelicans last year, where he played 51 games, in addition to three with the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite averaging 10.8 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, and being just 25, no NBA team showed much interest after last season.
With no NBA suitors, Jones signed a contract with a Chinese team, but was eventually waived. That opened the door for him to sign with the Santa Cruz Warriors.
This probably doesn’t mean much for Golden State, but it could. Since the Warriors have already used both of their two-way contracts, they have no way of securing Jones’ rights. Should any NBA team come calling, Jones can sign a contract with them.
Still, playing for Santa Cruz gets Jones in Golden State’s system. Santa Cruz employs very similar offensive and defensive schemes as Golden State, so Jones will be ready to step in should the Dubs need to sign him to a contract, should anything happen to the player under guaranteed contracts.
It also will get Jones and the Warriors organization acclimated, so Golden State can look at him next offseason when they look to fill out the roster.
We probably won’t see him ever wear a Golden State jersey, but he’s still a notable and exciting player that’s now in the system. Keep your eye on him, and enjoy watching him if you go to any Santa Cruz Warriors games!