DeQuan Jones

DeQuan Jones - Jones spent last year with the Reno Bighorns of the D-League, unable to get another season in the NBA. He shot 40.4% from three point range on his way to 13.6 points in 30 minutes per game, and finally showed some signs of being the athletic three-and-D role player Orlando seemingly thought he could be. It still doesn't explain why they signed him so early, long before he had evidenced this, but Jones did half of what he needed to do. Now he really needs to commit to his man-to-man D.

DeQuan Jones - After surprisingly sticking with the Magic for last season, Jones was not so lucky with the Kings this time around, and joined the Reno Bighorns of the D-League, where he averages 13 points and 5 rebounds. The D-League is the best place for him, as every facet of his game except his athleticism and body type needs work.

DeQuan Jones

With respect - honestly - Jones inexplicably made the Magic's roster for the whole of last season. His athleticism and size are perfect for the NBA, yet Jones never demonstrated in his entire college career that he could dribble the ball, shoot the ball, score the ball, or even get open without it. He was a nothing player in college, a tantalising physical specimen who just didn't get it, and yet somehow he made it into the NBA. Even started a bit. It was a fairy tale for him and a completely baffling turn of events for everyone else.

How did it go? Not great. Jones is sub-par at both the "three" and "D" parts of he three-and-D wing role player role. It looks like he should be able to play defense with his physical skills, but he hasn't the nuances to do so and is no more effective than, say, Jerry Stackhouse. Additionally, whilst it looks like Jones should at least contribute on the bounds, he rebounds no better than Kyle Korver (both had a 7.4% total rebound percentage last season.)

It's not Jones's fault that he was overmatched and God bless him for living a dream. But I shouldn't think there'll be any more chapters to his NBA story. Well, except this.