Learning Curve Awaits Tyus Jones If, When He Goes Pro
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Right now it's hard to envision a scenario if Tyus Jones turns professional that he would end up with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
But wherever and whenever he makes the leap, there is a learning curve. As a couple lottery pick point guards can attest to.
He won a national title with Duke and lifted his NBA stock on the same night.
"It's hard to put it into words. It's just, this is just such a special group. It's the best team I've ever been a part of," Jones said after Monday night's win for the national championship.
If the NBA is next, he plays one of the most difficult positions to step into. Nobody questions his offensive game, but guys like Ricky Rubio have learned a young player at the point has a learning curve.
"There is a lot of games and a lot of minutes, and you have to learn how to stay healthy all the time. You have to be ready all the time, especially mentally," Rubio said.
Zach LaVine has learned the hard way. He's athletic, but not a true point guard. Good enough to be a lottery pick, but can he master it?
"It's really my first time being coached playing the point guard position. I feel like I've been doing the best I can with it, progressing with it. I'm going to go out there and play my game," LaVine said.
Timberwolves Coach and President of Basketball Operations Flip Saunders was a point guard. He spent plenty of time watching Jones and he's seen a season with LaVine.
"He's definitely much improved than he was when he came in. He has a much better understanding defensively," Saunders said of LaVine. "Definitely this year helped him know what he's going to have to do."
Jones is steps ahead because he plays the position exclusively, but there will be a learning curve. As LaVine can attest, this position and this league are unforgiving.
"I wish I knew as much as I did now at the beginning of the season. It would be a lot different," LaVine said.
