As the NBA playoffs draw near, teams still have an opportunity to make one last addition to their roster. While most organizations already have a full locker room, they can always cut or release anyone they feel can be replaced for a better fit.
While several recognizable names are still available, Tyus Jones is the latest to join the free agent market. After just eight games, he’s been waived by the Dallas Mavericks as he seeks a more competitive situation. According to Marc Stein, he wants to join a playoff team after spending the past few years on mediocre ball clubs.
The question now for Jones is which teams are willing to take a chance on him. With the 19-year veteran currently in the worst season of his career so far (3.1 points, 1.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.1 blocks per game on 34.9% shooting from the field), interest is going to be limited, but he can still help a few teams with his experience and skillset as a high-IQ, team-first playmaker.
Houston Rockets
Tyus wouldn’t solve all the Rockets’ problems, but he’d certainly be a major boost for them given what they’ve lost. Without Fred VanVleet, they’ve lacked a true offensive floor general, and it’s left them extremely vulnerable. While Jones wouldn’t play a huge role, he could provide some of what they need with his ball handling, court vision, and perimeter shot-making. He’d get clean looks alongside Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun, and his capable defense would ensure he could hold his own on the other end.
In the loss to the Heat tonight, the Rockets needed someone like Jones to help run the floor and find gaps in the zone defense. As someone who plays smart and limits mistakes, his presence could help unlock the offense and stabilize the team until VanVleet’s eventual return. At the very least, Jones is a low-risk, high-reward addition who would allow the Rockets to maintain financial flexibility for the future.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves might never break through to the next level until they find a reliable point guard for the future. Tyus Jones likely isn’t what they had in mind, but there is potential for great things if he can get to the level he was with the Wizards, when he averaged 12.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game on 48.9% shooting and 41.4% shooting from three. Even if he can’t reach that level, his status as a strong floor general will make a positive impact on the team.
Alongside Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, and Julius Randle, Jones would have plenty of support and multiple options to look to offensively. What makes him ideal for the Timberwolves is that he won’t take over the offense or try to outshine the stars. He can play on and off the ball, which means that his role is flexible to whatever the team needs. At 29 years old, he’s a worthy (and younger) successor to Mike Conley, but it remains to be seen how they will fill that point guard spot.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers have stormed back to fourth in the East after dropping to play-in range earlier this season. With Darius Garland gone and James Harden in his place, the Cavs are eyeing a championship, and Jones could be another piece that gets them closer to that goal. In a backup role, he could thrive with a loaded second unit that includes guys like Dennis Schroder, Tyrese Proctor, and Thomas Bryant.
Ultimately, the Cavaliers are under no pressure to make any further moves, but it wouldn’t hurt to incorporate Tyus into the fold. His selfless and high-intensity playstyle would make a great fit for the team, and it’d be especially useful in the playoffs against deep and physical teams like the Knicks and Pistons. So while Cleveland doesn’t need to add anything more on paper, they can raise their ceiling even more by adding depth and flexibility to their backcourt.
Boston Celtics
As the Celtics await the return of Jayson Tatum, they are doing everything they can to secure a premium playoff position in the East. So far, at second in the standings, they are more than holding their own, but there are lingering doubts they can sustain this level of play. With Tyus, they get another ball-handler to the mix to open up the floor for Jaylen Brown and Nikola Vucevic. At the very least, he adds another weapon to an already versatile offensive team.
With Derrick White, the Celtics already have a permanent starter at point guard, but Jones could elevate the second unit as a veteran leader who wants to compete at the highest levels. In the wake of Anfernee Simons’ departure, they could use another offensive punch, and Jones could provide that without disrupting the fragile team hierarchy.
