Mason Jones did not appear in any of the first six games of the season with the Houston Rockets and the undrafted rookie only totaled 19 points over the next four games. But with the Rockets shorthanded on Saturday, Jones was called upon and the 22-year-old seized his newfound opportunity.
Jones made his first career start with the Rockets, who had just eight players available to play, and produced a career-high 24 points, six rebounds and four assists in 35 minutes of work during a 103-91 loss to the San Antonio Spurs.
He went an efficient 8-of-12 from the field, including 6-of-8 from 3-point range.
The Rockets were without DeMarcus Cousins and Sterling Brown due to leg injuries, while John Wall (knee), Eric Gordon (leg) and Danuel House Jr. (self-isolating) also missed the contest. The team also hasn’t welcomed Victor Oladipo yet following the four-team involving James Harden this week, which cleared the way for Jones.
https://embed.sendtonews.com/oembed/?SC=IvgGkeofTn-1112392-7498&format=json&offsetx=0&offsety=0&floatwidth=400&floatposition=bottom-right&float=on
Jones, who is signed to a two-way contract, established himself as a versatile scorer in college at Arkansas and projects to have a bright future with the Rockets. He proved to be an excellent player in transition that finishes well around the rim and can get to the free-throw line.
The 6-foot-4 guard certainly went overlooked by most of the NBA, but he was happy he was able to prove some of his doubters wrong, albeit in a losing effort on Saturday.
“It was really special,” Jones said, via Ben DuBose of Rockets Wire. “A lot of people thought I wasn’t really capable of playing in this league. A lot of people thought my athleticism wasn’t going to translate. But I just know how to play the game. I know how to get my shot off, and also get people involved, and that just helps me get my shots open, like today.”
Moving forward, the Rockets certainly can use Jones’ energy and effort of the bench once the team can get healthy again and the starters return. Depth has proven to be a huge concern this season for teams, and having a player like Jones that can step in and contribute will be key for Houston.
[lawrence-related id=26319,25364,24560]
[listicle id=25816]