Minnesota Timberwolves rookie point guard Tyus Jones (R) goes against Oklahome City Thunder's Russell Westbrook. (Photo : Getty Images)
Rumors have emerged that this year's 24th overall pick, 19-year-old Tyus Jones, is in danger of being the odd man out in the planned 10-man rotation of interim Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Sam Mitchell when the team starts their 2015-2016 regular season against the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday, as per ESPN.
Jones, who is the starting point guard of the 2015 NCAA champions Duke Blue Devils, is playing behind his more illustrious floor general teammates Ricky Rubio and Andre Miller.
Even if he switches to the shooting guard position, which is highly unlikely, he will still compete for playing time with the likes of Zach LaVine and Kevin Martin, definitely not very favorable for an unknown rookie.
"It's something different, but everything is a process," said Jones, referring to speculation that he may not be used at all in their first regular game, as reported by Twin Cities. "If I'm not in that rotation, it just means I have to get better. I've got to learn. It's an opportunity for me to learn a lot and watch the game more than playing."
A Burnsville, Minnesota native, Jones is very popular and well-liked by the fans of the city, which may pressure Mitchell to give him some precious playing time amidst a very loaded Wolves backcourt if the team's followers clamor enough for it.
Jones played six games for Mitchell in the preseason and averaged 5.7 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in only 16.2 minutes per game, which is quite decent for any 19-year-old rookie to accomplish.
He even started one game, versus the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he was pitted against monster point guard Russell Westbrook. The teenager did not score and was held to 0-of-5 field goal shooting with one rebound and four assists while his much superior counterpart had 14 points, eight boards, and 13 dimes in just 22 minutes.
