Billy Donovan describes him as an “old school” point guard.
Fitting, because it also matches Tre Jones’ soul.
The Bulls reserve, turned temporary starter, comes across as the oldest sounding 25-year-old in the NBA. A mix of being humble, Minnesota “Nice,” and coached by Spurs legend Gregg Popovich right out of college.
So when informed after Wednesday’s 134-118 win over New Orleans that he became the first player in franchise history to drop 20 points, shoot a perfect 7of-7 from the field, have 12 assists and just one turnover – yes, Bulls public relations dug that stat up – his response was very Tre Jones like.
“Pretty cool,” he said.
Yeah, it was. Especially with how badly the Bulls needed a performance like that. Earlier in the day, it was announced that the starting backcourt of Josh Giddey (left hamstring) and Coby White (right calf) would be lost for at least a week or two, propelling Jones onto the bright lights of the starting stage with the Bulls on a two-game losing streak.
All Jones did was go out and help an inconsistent offense dictate tempo against the Pelicans, as well as add a defensive piece to the starting group that White and Giddey don’t always provide.
“He’s the one guy who can be a real catalyst for us, an old school point guard,” Donovan said of what Jones did. “So much today, point guards really score. He can score; he scored (against New Orleans). But he’s not thinking the game through that lens. He’s thinking through the lens of the four other guys and what’s going to win. He makes the right plays, the right decisions.”
Evident by the fact that all five starters were in double figures, led by Isaac Okoro’s season-high 24 points, and the next closest starter to Jones in assists was center Nikola Vucevic with five.
It was a one-man distribution show.
“He’s got poise, good patience,” his coach continued. “He leans into the moment and is really, really competitive. With Coby and Josh being out we needed someone to take over the point guard responsibility, and he’s been able to do that.”
An indication that if the Bulls do move off of White in a trade that Jones could fill in without missing a beat? Maybe. In his 12 games starting this season, the 16-17 Bulls are 7-5, so there is a small sample size out there.
Just don’t ask Jones that.
“I approach every game the same whether I’m starting or coming off the bench,” Jones responded, when asked if this was an opportunity to once again showcase his ability as a starter. “Try to have the same impact on the game no matter what. I’m not necessarily going out there to try and prove myself. Just try and do what I can to help the team and do what the team needs from me to help the team be in a winning position at the end of the game.”
Which is a key reason why Donovan really pushed for Jones to be re-signed to a contract extension last summer.
Donovan might be running a modern-day pace and space offense, but his mentality in what it takes to win basketball games is very old school. Perfect for Jones, who is a smart decision maker, and more importantly, like Donovan, covets ball security.
“He’s very, very smart, and gets people organized,” Donovan added when asked why Jones has been having so much success as a Bull. “He’s a true point guard, in my opinion. He knows when the game needs to be pushed, when it needs to be slowed down a little. He can recognize matchups, who is guarding who, a really good communicator.
“Sometimes guys just get in situations where the opportunity is not presented to play the role he’s played for us.”