The Kings had a fairly underwhelming draft day back in June of 2023 following their first playoff series in almost two decades. Sacramento ended up trading their 1st round pick to Dallas in order to salary dump Richaun Holmes and free up cap space. They did later trade up in the 2nd round however to take Colby Jones, a guard from Xavier that many pundits expected to be a 1st round pick talent.
Given the Kings new situation of being actually good, it was always going to be a tough task for a rookie like Jones to crack the rotation, especially with guys like Kevin Huerter and Malik Monk playing the same position. The Kings also traded for Chris Duarte in the offseason, crowding the backcourt even more.
Still, Jones generated some hype from Kings fans that he could be ready for a role right away, particularly with his play in preseason where he averaged 9 points on 47.4% from the field and 40.9% from three, to go along with 1.8 assists, 1.6 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 15.5 minutes a game.
Jones didn’t get much time in the first few games of the season, finally getting a chance to play a bit more when De’Aaron Fox got injured. Eventually though, it was Keon Ellis who earned a rotation spot as he was more consistent on both ends of the court.
Jones spent most of the rest of the season riding the bench or playing in Stockton, where he played particularly well. Jones played 13 games for the Stockton Kings and averaged 19.8 points on 51.3% from the field and 37.5% from three to go with 7.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 2.0 steals and 0.8 blocks in 36.1 minutes a game. Colby’s best performance came in a game against the Mexico City Capitanes in March where he dropped 43 points, including 8 three pointers, while also dishing out 7 assists.
Jones ended up getting some more run with the main team towards the end of the season as the Kings dealt with injuries to both Huerter and Monk. In a 30 point win on the road in Brooklyn, Jones played 23 minutes and scored 7 points to go with 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks. That ability to do a little bit of everything on both ends of the court showed when Jones was able to get any kind of extended run. Defensively he’s a pest, with a good nose for the ball and getting steals, and offensively, he’s an excellent ballhandler who is able to create for both himself and others.
One area where Jones really needs to work on this summer however is his three point shot. He shot just 2 for 22 (9.1%) in the brief time he played with the big boys this season and that just won’t cut it long term. Of course, it’s hard to get into any kind of rhythm when playing time is sporadic or only in garbage time so I’m leaning towards him being more of the shooter we saw in preseason or in Stockton.
The Kings are in a better position than they have been traditionally, allowing for them to bring along young players a bit more slowly instead of just throwing them right into the fire. We saw this pay off already this season with Keon Ellis’ development. Ellis had a very similar situation to Jones last year, spending most of the season with Stockton and rarely getting any extended opportunity, only for him to come in this season and win not just a rotation spot but potentially a starting spot full time.
The Kings are invested in Jones future, making him the first player to be signed with the NBA’s new second round pick exception and giving him a four year deal. Considering Malik Monk’s free agency, Jones could be given a ton more opportunity next season should Monk leave. And even if Monk stays, Jones will likely be competing for a rotation spot with the likes of Chris Duarte, who played almost four times as much but didn’t really produce enough to warrant that.
Colby Jones rookie season won’t go down in any record books, but his story is just beginning. I have a feeling we’ll be talking about Jones in a far more glowing light next summer if he gets the opportunity to shine.
I wanted the Kings to draft him, and was surprised when he was still there in the early 2nd round. Hoping next season he can get some more time on the court to show his skills. They really could use another cheap contract contributor, like Keon this season, to help with the cap moving forward.
yeah, I thought he showed good defense on elite nba players at times. overall, he was not ready and maybe that’s just because he was a rookie. he’ll get more opportunities.
that said, if the BPA at 13 happens to be a guard, take him. Looking at Jared McCain a bit more – see those shooting numbers?
McCain is a good shooter and can run some point. The Ringer had Devin Carter mocked to the Kings most recently, not really a fan of his.
I do like Ja’Kobe Walter though.
Walker can shoot- more of a standstill guy but it goes in the hole. if MM comes back, why unless KH is sent to Siberia.
I am leaning towards Ware and Filopowski- size, size, size and some skill. May not be BPA- that indeed could be Walker but Kings have 7 guards right now.
I am assuming Monk leaves. Duarte is not a factor, and I can see Davion being included in a trade. That would leave fox, Ellis, huerter and Jones. Ja’Kobe would slot in nice as a shooting option with some room to grow.
If they think Monk is coming back, then size would probably be a better option. This team needs talent, so whoever Monte thinks is the most talented guy, they should get him.
how’s McCain’s pick n roll game?
I haven’t dove in that deep yet, but he looks capable. Just tired of the 6’3 and shorter guards. They need more size across the board.
I agree, generally speaking. however, the team also needs another primary initiator if Monk signs elsewhere. that’s why I’d like to know if he can become a primary initiator in a pick n roll heavy game like Jalen Brunson. or someone who runs the pick n roll at times but also plays off the ball like Mike Bibby. Even if Monk stays, the team needs more talent and shooters. John Wasserman just updated his big board and ranked McCain as the 7th best player in the draft. so … it’s not like I’m pulling this out of nowhere.
Kings have Fox, KH, Davion, Duarte, Keon and maybe MM at guard. Most of these are “special” in one area. There is a bit of redundancy. If MM stays, then to take a guard even if BPA someone has to go. At #13- J. Walker, Collier and McCain. At least one or more will be there.
On the other hand, why not get size- Salaun, Filipowski, DaSilva or Ke’el Ware. ?
I would not be surprised if Monte took DaSilva. I like Ware- thin, lengthy, ?motor, but…..he adds some thing Kings lack- size at the rim-lobs and blocks. Reminds me of Nik Claxton or Jaxon Hayes.
forgot C. Jones.
yeah, just looking at all the options. it’s hard to ignore a good shooter. would be nice if he had a PG role at Duke so that we’d have a better idea if he could be a good pick n roll point guard.
I like some of those names you mentioned. Salaun is intriguing. If he can be developed into a switchable 4 with nba athleticism and a motor and a shot, those guys are hard to find.
Filipowski would be the tall 4/5 that could help. If the shooting remains consistent, he has room to grow into an Olynyk/Markkanen lite type of guy.
I liked him too, even in the first round. OMP went there to the Mavs and did not play much at all.
Colby was a good pick at his slot. Kings traded up for him.
Last year I thought Keon was a sleeper. This year I have the same view of Colby.
I look at M. Brogdon, D. White and see comparisons. Incidentally, how did White, Divincenzo, Hart get so good, so late??,
Jones does a bit of everything. He is good at lots of things but not excellent at any. Something needs to emerge and stand out- defense, assists, shooting??
He could be a starting 2 guard but that leaves the defensive specialist (Keon) in a back up role and would require some serious scoring at the 3-4 spots.
His ceiling is D. White on Boston- late bloomer, 5th guy who has moved to 4th guy.
If he does not project like White, then a bench role but his compatriots on the bench need serious scoring skills.
I see him as being the 7-9 guy on a good team. Average in lots of facets of the game, which makes building a bench with him a bit easier.
Average…and doesn’t play.
No need to set unreal expectations.
Free Colby…
He is a solid SG (backup) for us….just give him playing time….Colby get the skills and tools and good feels for the game….
Lots of energy, like a young pup – mostly of the unbridled variety, at times breakneck. I like his abandon; Colby Jones has Cojones but hope to see that ball sense become more controlled.
Very much a Jack of All Trades, and though listed at 6’6” #205, I thought he played and appeared more like a tall backcourt player than a wing. (players of all shapes and sizes have such varied games as I watch 6’4” Josh Hart on the Knicks)
Let’s hope the confidence behind a 4 yr signing bears fruit.
https://x.com/bswest5/status/1789016720835014697?s=46&t=LRRFdoSPcReEZERgnElWRA
Help! can’t seem to be able to post a tweet/X
If Monk walks, Colby is next man up. I like to think that when Monte made the pick for Colby he may have been anticipating Monk leaving in free agency. A good GM thinks a years ahead.
I disagree that he’s an “excellent ball handler.” There were times this season when teams pressed his handle and he’d get real shaky with the ball. Id say that’s a key area for him to improve, as well as the three point shooting.
If he can do both, though, we got a real ballplayer. High IQ, solid athlete, crafty finishing around the rim in traffic, pesky defender, and can rebound and pass. He’s rough around the edges but with a little refinement there’s a lot to like.
Probably Hall of Famer next year. First ever G league player inducted into the Hall of Fame before retiring.
Trade Sabonis, Fox, and Barnes. Sign Monk to a max deal then send him off for an undrafted Euro guy. Ellis, Colby Jones, the undrafted Euro guy, Davion, and Len for a championship run.
Useful and insightful informaiton.
Thank you.
This team needs to change. Changing this team means changing the roster. Keeping Colby Jones around hoping he can play eliminates a roster spot for someone that can contribute. Cannot keep everyone that has ever worn a Kings jersey.
Who hurt you?
Nobody. All good here.
You?
Going to hang on to your guy Jones and hope he does something because he already has a Kings jersey. Want to win but not willing to change anything that is obviously not doing anything to win.
I never said he needed to be kept around. If he is included in a trade to improve the roster, then do it.
All I said was that I think he has potential to be a cheap rotation player on a team that is going to have some increased salaries and potential cap issues in the next few years.
Cheap bench guys that may contribute are needed on this roster so higher end talent can be acquired and not screw the shallow pockets of the owner.
Definitely agree..
No one is un-tradable in this roster…..
Please remember that.
Other than the top four guys this team consists of cheap bench guys.
Why do we need more?
Notice anything about the teams still playing?
This fan base has been conditioned to never give up on sub par talent.
Show me where I said that they should never give up on subpar talent?
Was the post directed towards you?
I was commenting on the weird desire to never change this team. You said he was your guy in the draft and he is currently needed.
My opinion and your opinion. Not a big deal.
The world is bigger than you.
I agree. I would blow this roster up.
Watching these playoffs, it’s clear Fox n Ox can’t compete with these other stars/teams. And these other stars/teams are just as young if not younger than our core. This core will spin in mediocirty.
Especially with other young talented teams like the Spurs, Rockets and Grizz likely to improve next season.
Pump the brakes!
47-37 season does not warrant a total make-over, IMO.
Build on that what you have, and that means develop the young talent that you think can help you.
Exhibit A: Keon Ellis
maybe that means Colby Jones. maybe not. Still incubating.
Haha I agree, I think we have to blow it up though to a degree around our big 2 and take chances on players who have length and athleticism.
I’d try and trade for Portis/Naz Reid as a start (target teams in CAP hell).
If you strike out on guys like that, that’s where the taking flyers on players with question marks and baggage surrounding them comes in. Players like Bridges and Isaac.
And the reality is, to really improve the team, MM may have to put KM and our pick on offer.
You might get Portis but not Maz Reid. We had our chance 2 years ago and I really wanted him. When it comes to baggage which Btidges are you talking about.?I assume you mean Miles not Michal? MM is keeping KM I hope. I like our chances with our big 3. Maybe even Monk.
Jack !!
Check out Ke’el Ware and let me know what you think,
The Filipowski, DaSilva and Saluan.
I am not a fan of this years draft. Of the 3 above I have only watched Filipowski since I have been a Duke fan for many years. IMO only he has some good skills but is pretty soft and needs to grow especially in the area of confidence. I would rather use #13 as a tool to help get an established player. Probably a PW to replace Barnes or add to it and try to get a player like Micah Bridges or Dejounte Murray. Just getting a player here and there isn’t going to do it. I go along with MM when he said he wants to win now.
D Murray would be great, but I don’t think we have the assetes to make it happen.
IMO it could happen. The Hawks want to get rid of either Murray or Yound because they can’t or won’t work together. I personally think Murray is the one to go. It would take quite a bit of assets to do so. Maybe something like the #13 and another first and 2 seconds for Murray Bey(who they don’t play much) and A J Griffin( who they don’t play at all).
PS We would have to add players to finish the deal. Maybe Barnes, Mitchell and Duarte plus above assets.
I watched 15 minutes of tape. In that time saw dunks, turn around shots up to 8 or 10 feet, baby hooks, threes a good variety of offense. His passing and eye IQ looks rrally good and can block shots. Also runs the floor. I like him. What would you do with him?
Yep Miles on CHA. Perfect fit next to Domas. Hopefully has contrition and is turning a new leaf.
This roster peaked last year.
I’m disappointed to have missed the inevitable Hall of Fame conversation.
Next time.
You cannot join now?
Self imposed 15 min cap?
Exactly, while other rosters haven’t peacked in the West. If the same King’s team comes back next yr, the record will only be worse.
I apologize in advance for only marginally Colby Jones-related content. He is 6-6 and over 200 lbs, so he is a step in the right direction. What that means is that Monte seems to have a type. He goes for skill over physicality. I’m biased I suppose because I just finished watching New York-Indiana. After 1/3 of a season of DiVincenzo, he preferred Huerter. It hurts to watch that guy kick ass. He drafted Murray over Sochan, Mathurin, and Jalen Williams. He did find Keon Ellis and we’re like ‘defense! Damn!’ Like you only need one physical perimeter defender! Indiana has Nembhard, Mathurin, Sheppard, and Nesmith, two of whom were 2nd round picks. The league and the draft are full of 6-4 to 6-6 guys who can defend and shoot at the NBA level. Hopefully Jones becomes one of them next year. The Kings need as much of that as they can get.
Given the types of players MM goes after, I don’t think he knows what he’s doing.
Pretty wild, but our backcourt right now could be Haliburton and DDV.
All the best teams in the NBA have length, athleticism and players that got dog in them. (Knicks, Pacers, Minny, OKC).
It’ll be interesting to see if MM finally recognizes this and how he attacks it this offseason.
IMO I have more faith in MM than you do. Just to give an example MM wanted but finally decided against trading for Siakim. The Pacers gave up 3 first round picks for him and now either pay him bigger money after this year or let him walk. If the Pacers were in the west like the Kings IMO would not have made the playoffs either.
I was glad he didn’t trade for Siakim either. But he was interested in Pascal and I don’t see the fit of Pascal betwixt KM and Domas. Which goes back to my point, MM isn’t targeting the kind of players we need around our big3. And I hope he does this offseason.
IMO he will. Just for instance Jalen Smith will opt out this year and become a free agent. We can use part or all of the mle to get Smith. He would b e a good fit next to Sabonis and also can play bachup center if need be. Shooths over 40% from 3. Can protect the weakside which we really need and can help rebound. Only 23 and much to grow.
I love DOGS….
Remind me the days when we have both Q. Acy and Reggie Evans…….
Pollard
michael the animal smith
brian grant
bobby jackson
DC
You neee players like that.
Not really. This dog story is just one you are telling yourself.
DDV was here for 1/3 of a season and didn’t impress at all, as I remember. There’s a reason MM let him go. He’s a good player, but for whatever reason, it didn’t click for him here.
First I’ll take Murray over any of those 3 you mentioned above. Yes Keon can play defense but so can Murratyand Mitchell too. MM got Duarte for 2 second rounders and he can play defense too. I agree DV is really doing outstanding but when he played for us he wasn’t accomplished as he is now. You can’t compare then from now or can you?
He goes for proven production. It is much easier to extract statistical model for proven production.
It says that Monte is risk-averse but he absolutely knows team-building.
I’ve been pretty skeptical of fringe guys (Skal, et. al.). But I’m super high on Colby. He’s a jack of all trades. If he masters one, he’ll be an NBA starter at least.
With a full summer under his belt, put on some weight but not too much and work really hard on his 3’s and attacking the basket will see what happens. He needs to master more than one. Two would be great. Already plays pretty good defense.
Colby Jones was better than Duarte literally all season. If he hasn’t taken over the Duarte minutes by this October (barring any lineup-shaking trades), something is wrong. Duarte was the most unimpressive acquisition I’ve seen from MM. Low BBIQ, couldn’t shoot a lick, pouty attitude. “Buy low” players can be bought low for a reason, apparently.
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