5 potential Cavs free agency options for backup PG and backup C
By Mack Perry
5 Cavs potential backup PG options – #3: Tyus Jones
The Tyus Jones situation will be one that the Cavs should keep an eye on as they look to add additional pieces to surround their young core with. Jones will be one of the most coveted point guards on the market once FA officially begins and this makes him kind of a long shot for Cleveland.
In a season in which Ja Morant missed 25 games, Jones was able to help keep the ship afloat in his absence. The Memphis Grizzlies went 20-5 in the regular season in games with Jones as the starter which is ultimately how he views himself, one would think: A starter.
He echoed this sentiment last month when he stated the following, via Meghan Triplett of the Grizzlies and Grind City Media.
Tyus Jones said, was asked if he wants to be a starting point guard in this league and he answered, "I do."
— Meghan Triplett (@Meghan_Triplett) May 15, 2022
Jones added that he has always viewed himself as a starter even when coming off the bench.
In the last four seasons, he has led the NBA in assist-to-turnover ratio. Jones averaged 8.7 points and 4.4 assists in 21.2 minutes this season. In games he started, Jones averaged 12.7 points and 6.6 assists. He also improved his 3PT% this season going from 32.1% the season prior to 39.0% this year, albeit on low volume (2.8).
Memphis holds his Bird rights and he made $8.4 million this season and will likely command a pay raise. That could make it difficult to land him in FA for Cleveland but an interesting option nonetheless.