Colby Jones turned in a strong run with the Sacramento Kings this preseason and earned praise from head coach Mike Brown following his latest performance.
Jones produced 19 points, three rebounds, three steals and two assists on Thursday in a 116-113 win over the Utah Jazz. He went 7-of-13 from the field, including 5-of-8 from 3-point range, in 24 minutes of work off the bench.
The 34th pick had his best outing of the preseason with the effort. He hit three 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to help the Kings complete the comeback and pick up the win.
Brown said he is making a strong case for a large role this season.
He was really good. I’m loving how he is making my job harder. I love it. Every time we’ve thrown him out there, he just keeps getting better and better. His demeanor is the same. We like to cut on our offense, and he has got to be the hardest cutter on our team. He doesn’t do it most times, he does it every freaking time. I just love watching the kid compete on both ends of the floor.
Colby Jones is, in fact, THAT GUY 😤 pic.twitter.com/JoXgoBceAy
— Kings on NBCS (@NBCSKings) October 20, 2023
With several starters sitting, including De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis and Keegan Murray, Jones had the opportunity to log heavy minutes on Thursday. He saw time as the backup point guard and shooting guard throughout the game and looked comfortable in either role.
The opportunity to join a playoff contender and contribute immediately as a rookie is often rare. Jones will likely play sporadically this year in spot minutes, but the 21-year-old is embracing the challenge of earning his playing time.
“I’m just extremely blessed,” Jones said, via Sean Cunningham of Fox 40 in Sacramento. “That’s what I’m trying to do, so I’m glad (Coach) is having a tough time. I’m really just trying to come in and do whatever he says and impact the game on offense and defense.”
Kings rookie Colby Jones discusses the funny story Mike Brown shared about having to throw up in Wednesday's game against the Warriors, but also how he's impacted Sacramento, made Brown's decisions tough heading into the season and how he's been able to fit in so well. pic.twitter.com/iUOhAOy9t1
— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) October 20, 2023
Jones finished the preseason averaging nine points, 1.8 assists, 1.6 rebounds and 1.2 steals in five games on 40.9% shooting from 3-point range. He scored in double figures twice, including a 10-point effort on Wednesday versus Golden State.
He was a full-time starter over three years in college at Xavier, so coming off of the bench will be a change for him. He is preparing himself to contribute in any role and is impressing Brown and the rest of the team in the early going.
“I’m just staying locked in at all times,” Jones said. “Obviously, in college, I didn’t come off the bench, so I’m just having to stay mentally focused for that. I feel like I’ve done a good job with that and want to keep it that way.”
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