NBA Offseason 2013: Sophomore Surge

June 4, 2012; Westwego, LA, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Terrence Jones talks to the media following a pre-draft workout with the New Orleans Hornets at the Alario Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

6. Terrence Jones, Forward, Houston Rockets

Vitals: 6’9″, 252 lbs., 21 years old

2012-13 Stats: 5.5 points (.457/.263/.765), 3.4 rebounds, 0.8 assist (0.7 turnover), 0.6 steal, 1.0 block (1.1 foul) in 14.5 minutes (19 games)

Summer League: Orlando (1st Team)

Rationale: The Rockets traded away Patrick Patterson, Marcus Morris, and Thomas Robinson, as well as waiving Carlos Delfino. Unlike last season when Jones was the odd man out in a crowded frontcourt, he should have every opportunity to break into the rotation. Greg Smith will likely start for now, but he’s a non-shooter on a team that prizes spacing like few others. Chandler Parsons could theoretically slide over, but at 6’9″ 227 lbs., he lacks the bulk to bang down low. Enter Terrence Jones. Jones has the size to defend the post and rebound, he can block shots (2.5 per 36 minutes) and generate turnovers to activate Houston’s fastbreak (1.6 steals/36). Offensively, Jones is quicker and bouncier than prototypical fours. Two developments from Orlando bear watching: Jones’ foul-drawing (eight free throws attempted per game) and three-point shooting (36.4%). James Harden and Dwight Howard are two of the most prolific foul-drawers in the league, but nobody else on the Rockets was able to capitalize on the inevitable time in the bonus. Likewise, with Harden, Howard and Lin sucking in defenders, somebody has to convert open looks, preferably from deep for that extra point.