His reaction when he heard the news? A ” extreme excitement » instantaneous. « Being able to learn from a playmaker who has left his mark on his generation like he has is something I will never take for granted. “, testifies Tre Jones in the San Antonio Express Newsspeaking of Chris Paul.
The 24-year-old player knows it: the arrival of “CP3” will make him lose his starting spot acquired during last season, after in particular an inconclusive experiment with Jeremy Sochan at point guard. Gregg Popovich had ended up turning to one of the rare “natural” options at point guard with Tre Jones.
Despite this, the Spurs have long considered him a stopgap option in the starting five. In June, the Texans signed what they hoped would be Tre Jones' long-term replacement, using their fourth overall pick to draft Stephon Castle. A week later, the Spurs signed Chris Paul.
This sudden competition for his position does not pose a problem for the person concerned. This idea never crossed my mind. I want to win matches above all else. “, assures the 41st choice of the 2020 Draft, convinced that he has everything to gain from the presence of a future Hall of Famer at his side.
With the age of “CP3”, he will have his chance
” He's a guy who thinks the game at a very high level. He's been on some of the greatest teams and played alongside some of the greatest players in the world. He's been to the NBA Finals. He's had some great moments in the playoffs. To be able to benefit from his experience and learn from him all year long – I'm going to make the most of it. “, projects the one who has never been in the playoffs.
Tre Jones also knows that with the age of his elder (39), he could be brought to lead the Spurs machine full time. Plagued by physical problems and wear and tear, Chris Paul remains on two consecutive seasons with less than 60 games played. It will be difficult for him to play every match. It would be difficult for any of us. ” notes Tre Jones.
After all, despite his problems with his outside shooting (30% from 3-point range), Tre Jones also showed promise as a point guard, finishing the season with an average of 10 points and 6 assists.
“ A lot of guys carry the ball. Sometimes there's a 7-foot-10 guy. (Victor Wembanyama) who brings up the ball. […] There aren't many true playmakers. I have to make sure I continue to fulfill that role. “, concludes Tre Jones, who has every interest in shining in Chris Paul's shadow: next summer, he will be a “free agent”.
| Tre Jones | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | LF | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2020-21 | SAN | 37 | 7 | 47.4 | 60.0 | 89.5 | 0.2 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 1.1 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 2.5 |
| 2021-22 | SAN | 69 | 17 | 49.0 | 19.6 | 78.0 | 0.4 | 1.8 | 2.3 | 3.4 | 1.1 | 0.6 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 6.0 |
| 2022-23 | SAN | 68 | 29 | 45.9 | 28.5 | 86.0 | 0.8 | 2.8 | 3.6 | 6.6 | 1.4 | 1.3 | 1.6 | 0.1 | 12.9 |
| 2023-24 | SAN | 77 | 28 | 50.5 | 33.5 | 85.6 | 0.8 | 3.0 | 3.8 | 6.2 | 1.2 | 1.0 | 1.5 | 0.1 | 10.0 |
| Total | 251 | 22 | 48.1 | 30.1 | 84.3 | 0.6 | 2.2 | 2.8 | 4.8 | 1.1 | 0.9 | 1.1 | 0.1 | 8.6 | |
How to read the stats? GM = Games Played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots Made / Shots Attempted; 3pts = 3-pointers / 3-pointers Attempted; LF = Free Throws Made / Free Throws Attempted; Off = Offensive Rebound; Def = Defensive Rebound; Tot = Total Rebounds; Pd = Assists; Fte: Personal Fouls; Int = Steals; Bp = Loose Balls; Ct: Blocks; Pts = Points.
