NBA Rumors: The Chicago Bulls Should Pursue Terrence Jones
NBA Rumors: Having lost Taj Gibson in a trade, the Chicago Bulls should turn their eyes to Terrence Jones
Doug McDermott was looking like a solid contributor in scoring coming off the bench for Chicago. Despite averaging 10 points per game on the season, though, it appears the Bulls want to head in another direction from the Creighton product.
His perimeter scoring has been a little sloppy this season, as he’s averaging 37.3 percent from three, and that will be missed for certain, though the acquisition of Anthony Morrow will likely balance out this loss.
Chicago’s main concern should be interior presence. Aside from Robin Lopez, the Bulls’ lack a surefire scorer in the paint, and are now without a stern rim protector.
Taj Gibson offered both of those qualities, but now the Bulls are left with Bobby Portis and Nikola Mirotic.
Both Portis and Mirotic take minimal shot attempts from within three feet of the basket this season, as they both hover around 20 percent, per Basketball Reference. As far as success rate is concerned, they pale in comparison to Terrence Jones.
To start, 84.6 percent of Jones’ shot attempts are two-point field goals. 40 percent of those attempts come from within three feet of the basket. Jones has a 67.9 percent completion rate from this distance. Portis and Mirotic average 66 percent and 60 percent respectively, but in significantly less attempts.
He’d be a great addition for Chicago, a team that needs more punch in the paint if they wish to last in the playoffs.
Jones attempted to be a stretch four earlier in his career, but he’s consistently decline in perimeter scoring. The bright side to this is that Jones can shift to center, allowing guys like Mirotic and Portis to work from further out.
Jones was recently waived by New Orleans as a result of the DeMarcus Cousins trade, and according to Marc Stein, has cleared waivers to become a free agent. The Bulls would be wise to jump at the opportunity to sign Jones to a contract for the rest of the season.
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Jones, 25, is still very young as well, and could be an effective, long-term investment for Chicago. Despite a minor injury history, he’d make for a great pickup for size and scoring in the paint. It will be something to monitor in the coming weeks.