Should The Cleveland Cavaliers Re-sign James Jones?
James Jones has had contract discussions with the Cleveland Cavaliers and his return is far from certain. Would a return be helpful?
World Champion James Jones, free agent of the Cleveland Cavaliers, has had contract discussions with the team. According to ESPN‘s Brian Windhorst, he wants to return to the Cavs, but is considering offers from other teams. What teams those are is purely speculation at this point, though the Miami Heat could want the Miami-native Jones to return.
In the aftermath of Dwyane Wade‘s departure, there’s still obvious disappointment from Heat-lifers, their loyal fans.
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For the Cavaliers, Jones won’t see much playing time. When he does play his role will be defined by his three-point shooting. Other teams could give Jones a more prominent role.
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Though his value on-the-court is dampened by the depth and talent ahead of him on a championship contending team like Cleveland’s, Jones is invaluable off-the-court. Jones, like Richard Jefferson and Channing Frye, is a bridge between Kevin Love and LeBron James that allows the team to gel more ably.
As one of Love’s best friends, and LeBron’s good buddy as well, any disputes or tension that may arise between the two on-the-court is eased by their friendship with Jones off-the-court. This isn’t definitely how their relationship works, it’s just understandable if it is.
Jones is very intelligent, he’s an astute player with a high basketball IQ. Jones has experience playing the shooting guard, small forward and power forward positions for the Cavs. The three-point specialist shoots 39.8 percent from three for his career.
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However, the Cavaliers greatest offense this season has been defense and that alone is where Jones struggles to help the team. Perimeter players beat Jones off-the-dribble routinely and frontcourt players are usually too strong for Jones.
Jones makes up for his athletic shortcomings with terrific defensive awareness and he consistently positions himself defensively early, before the ball-handler can decide what he wants to do. Jones is also a lanky defender who can contest shots well, straight-up, if he’s in the position to make a play.
Nonetheless, Jones seems like he’d be more of a fit on another team if only because the Cleveland Cavaliers could use more physically useful players on the bench.
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Jones would likely sign for the veteran’s minimum with the Cleveland Cavaliers if he returns. The team could do better than Jones, possibly, however the veteran forward would be useful.