Last year, I attended my first-ever NBA Summer League in person. I was excited, but a bit disappointed to find out Devin Carter wouldn’t play due to surgery announced shortly after the Kings’ roster reveal. With his absence, I decided to focus on scouting some lesser-known players and keeping an eye on how Keon Ellis and (RIP) Coby Jones would handle being primary initiators. My trip to Las Vegas was mostly just for funsies, but attending the Summer League had always been high on my bucket list. I couldn’t resist putting on my unofficial Kings scout hat over a beer or three and take in the mostly unknown talent.
A few players stood out during my experience: Isaac Jones was the one I immediately felt could be a guy. Jones showcased some intriguing skills. Over five games, he averaged 11.2 points and 8.2 rebounds, logging 28.5 minutes per game. While his shooting from deep (22% on 1.8 attempts per game) needs work, his athleticism and instincts stood out. He averaged 1.4 blocks per game and consistently stayed active, exhibiting great energy and effort both defensively and around the rim.
The Summer League isn’t the main story here; it’s more of a gateway to recounting my first impressions of Jones. It also gives me a chance to give shoutouts to Boogie Ellis, Drew Timme, and Adonis Arms, who all left a positive mark during their five-game stretch.
Fast forward to the regular season, Jones had a modest start under Mike Brown barely finding opportunities to crack the rotation. His overall season stats might not jump off the page, with averages of 3.4 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 7.6 minutes per game while shooting 65% from the floor. But if you break it down into specific stretches of opportunity, you start to see flashes of potential.
Stepping Up During Trey Lyles’ Absence
When Trey Lyles went down after the November 25 game against the Thunder, Jones got his first real chance to be part of the rotation. From then through December 6, he logged 16 minutes per game across seven contests. During this stretch, he impressed with averages of 7.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks while shooting an outstanding 68.6%. His role as a rim-running big capitalized on his ability to hustle in transition and dominate weaker post defenders—an impactful skill set the team had been missing and a refreshing contrast to what Lyles brought to that position.
His next meaningful opportunity came after the trade deadline, with De’Aaron Fox gone and Kevin Huerter out, and key reinforcements like Zach LaVine and Jonas Valančiūnas having not joined the roster. During this stretch, Jones averaged 5 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists on 66.7% shooting. This time, he had to adapt to playing alongside Lyles, which introduced new positional challenges and defensive assignments.
Late in the season, Jones and Lyles shared the front court again due to an injury to Jake LaRavia. Between March 29th and the end of the regular season on April 13th, Isaac appeared in six games, albeit in limited minutes (6.8 per game). His stats during this period weren’t significant (2.2 points and 1.3 rebounds), but it’s worth noting that Doug Christie seemed to see him as a potential “next man up.” Christie appeared to value what he showed in the G League, during practices and in garbage-time minutes during blowouts.
Dominating in the G League
While I’m not someone who grinds through hours of Stockton Kings tape, Jones’ G League performances are worth covering for his season in review. Over 12 games, he averaged 31.9 minutes, 21 points, 10 rebounds, roughly 1 block, and 1 steal while shooting 57% from the field. What does this tell me? When given the opportunity to play significant minutes, Jones produced and continued to do so rather efficiently. The question now is whether his flashes in limited NBA minutes and strong G League play can translate and scale into a larger role.
He has the size, athleticism and skill set the Kings desperately need. I’d expect to see him in action during the upcoming Summer League, where he can further prove his worth. It’s worth mentioning that the previous Kings management—Monty and the boys, as I affectionately call them (which, incidentally, sounds like the name of an indie bluegrass band)—converted him to a standard NBA contract that includes a team option this offseason.
If you’ve made it this far, it’s probably obvious that I’m a fan of Jones’ game. I genuinely believe he has the tools to establish himself in the league and, hopefully, stick with the Kings. Here’s hoping the team picks up his option and we get to see more consistent opportunities for him in the near future.
Final Grade
C+
I mentioned in the previous thread that the Kings have a contract decision to make on Jones. There is a TO for is $1.9M contract. That’s an insanely cheap contract for an end of the bench live body. For comparison sake, the 30th pick in this year’s draft is guaranteed $2.7M their first year. The vet minimum in the league for a player with 1 year of service is $2M.
Basically, the Kings will struggle to find anyone cheaper for the role Jones may play as your 4th big off the bench in very limited minutes. He’s the Kings version of what Precious Achiuwa was for the Knicks. FWIW, Achiuwa made $6M last year.
I say pick up his TO because the Kings need live bodies and have to somehow get to 14 active players by the start of next season. He’s also just one hell of a feel good story.
Yes. I also think he plays the right way. Busts his ass on both ends of the floor. Will turn 25 in July, but as you said he’s on a good contract.
Lots of guys like him towards the end of the rotations in this year’s Conference Finals, and Finals.
Much rather fill the end of the bench with players like him over guys like Terrance Davis.
I’ll be totally shocked if TD is on the roster opening night. Out of the league for 2 years, the very definition redundancy, an undersized combo guard and doesn’t fill a position of need. I feel he will be either traded or cut by the end of the week. Jones at least fills a position of need.
In that role, I jones for I. Jones.
Isaac In Sac
Hope he doesn’t get Saac’d while Jonesing for a roster spot.
He is worth the contract and roster spot. He had some inexperienced moments during the season, which is expected, but also showed what the Kings needed, energy, hustle, lob threat, and never backed down or look intimidated by more seasoned players.
I agree. It doesnt seem to bother him if he gets dunked on, gets crossed over, or gets bullied by the bigger centers down low. Its on to the next play for him. The effort is there, but unfortunately, you see the talent limitations. But a useful bench player nonetheless.
Holiday to the Blazers for Simons and some 2nd round picks…
Saw a trade sending Derozan to the Griz for Brandon Clark. Scottie Pippen Jr and Santi Aldama( sign and trade).
I propose a trade now that both Carter and Monk are tradeable. Monk, Carter, our 2027 first for RJ Barrett and Toranto’s #9.
I feel RJ has more value than Monk and Carter combined. No way they make that trade straight up without even including the #9
Why did the Blazers do that? They gave up assets for Holiday and his contract?
As of now, I guess a veteran mentor for Sharpe and Scoot?
Maybe they didn’t want to pay Simons and his market wasn’t good?
Idk, but Grant and Holiday make a solid chunk of change on a team that probably won’t make much noise in the West next season.
I think there is something else at play. Boston couldn’t aggregate Jrue’s deal since they are 2nd apron, PDX just did them a huge favor by cutting Boston’s cap by nearly $5M. I can’t believe PDX would take on a ton more salary, add two 2nd round picks and trade away a young scorer for Jrue. It really doesn’t make sense for team going through a rebuild and team sale.
My gut says this is the beginnings of something else.
He should be taking all of Lyles’ minutes and all the back up PF minutes. Give him 39 minutes a game and see what he does. As the roster stands now, Kings are going to be in the playoffs-in spin cycle so why not take a chance.
I meant 20 minutes
Badge Legend