Terrence Jones is a 26-year-old power forward who has shown he can play during his young career. The New York Knicks should take a chance on him.
Over the All-Star Break, the New York Knicks received a much-needed break from the media and basketball. However, the NBA witnessed a trade happen that has the potential to shift the tides of the league.
Sacramento Kings superstar center DeMarcus Cousins has been traded to the New Orleans Pelicans. He’ll form a dynamic duo with Anthony Davis. On paper, that’s comparable to the legendary duo of Tim Duncan and David Robinson.
In today’s modern NBA, point guards compete in dunk contests, and 7’3″ power forwards are winning the NBA Skills Challenge. Both Davis and Cousins can stretch the floor, run the show, and dominate the low post.
Together, they project to form one of the most potentially devastating combinations to ever don the same uniform on a basketball court.
While the Knicks were never in the running for Cousins, this trade proves that New Orleans is ready and willing to make roster changes.
Meet the man who could blossom in New York as a playmaking, rim-running big man: Terrence Jones.
Jones is a University of Kentucky product who has played five NBA seasons. In 2013-14, Jones had a career year with the Houston Rockets. He averaged 12.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game in just his second NBA season.
Since the 2013-14 season, however, Jones has struggled to stay on the court due to injury.
This season, the 26-year-old has experienced a career revitalization. Since joining the Pelicans in late October, Jones has made the most of his second chance.
He’s scored at least 15 points in 16 different games this season. He recorded 36 points and 11 rebounds in the game of his career against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Jones is blessed with grace and power that would be a perfect fit for New York as a reliable bench man and small-ball 4. While he’s never averaged gaudy assists numbers, Jones has also flashed playmaking ability throughout his career.
His ability has been hidden by injury and a lack of sustained opportunity. See the 1:34 mark in the video below.
In 2013-14, Jones had 18 double doubles in 71 games. In 2014-15 he notched eight double-doubles in only 32 games. His improvement was steady. He was on pace to eclipse the 20 double-double mark had he remained healthy.
While Jones was in the starting lineup, the Rockets were 24-9. In other words: he’s an impact player who fits the mold of a modern NBA big man.
Jones is also on the market after New Orleans’ latest trade.
New Orleans now seeking trade partner for forward Terrence Jones, league sources tell ESPN. Mutual decision on behalf of team, Jones' camp.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 20, 2017
Playing alongside a dominant Kristaps Porzingis would create opportunity that has never been there during Jones’ young career. He could score at will, sling the ball around to a wide open KP, and help lead the Knicks back to NBA relevancy.
The key for the Knicks’ impending rebuild is finding young, talented, and modern NBA players. Jones has proven to be exactly that.
He stands at 6’9″, runs the floor well, and plays solid defense.
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For the New York Knicks to rebuild the right way, they must trust players like Terrence Jones, who have shown ability, but have never received consistent opportunity.