Despite trading away their first-round pick of the 2023 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings found a way to make a statement. The Kings, rather than reaching for a prospect in the first round, traded up early in the second round to draft G Colby Jones with pick 34.
While Jones fell to the second round, many NBA scouts believed he was league-ready and one of the best all-around guards in the draft. The Kings believed what they saw in the 21-year-old prospect and took a chance on him.
Kings HC Mike Brown certainly does not regret the draft night decision, as he told reporters Tuesday how impressed he is with Jones (via @SacramentoKings / X):
"I'll tell you what, the more and more I watch [Jones] and put him in different situations, the more impressed I am, especially for a young guy. His upside is, in my opinion right now, pretty high. You don't want to elevate him there quite yet, but his pace, his demeanor, his strength, his athleticism, his feel, he can play pick-and-roll, he can play off the ball. Defensively, he's pretty good for a young guy. There are a lot of things that you look at and say 'Okay he may be a good basketball player someday at this level,' and he could be a high-level basketball player."
Jones has made the most of his preseason opportunities, proving to fans and the team that he can be an impactful player. While Jones will be fighting for regular season minutes in a packed guard rotation, the rookie has shown that he deserves to see the court.
Whether Jones takes the role of a third point guard or a fourth backup wing, the Kings' coaching staff needs to continue giving the rookie opportunities.
Jones plays with such composure that fans would assume he is a 10-year veteran if they did not know any better. While his playmaking and defensive presence are eye-popping for a young guard, finding a consistent three-point shot will likely be the way to get more playing time.
Brown is all about playing the right guys when it matters, so if Jones is impressive enough, he will certainly see the court throughout the 2023-24 season.
With G Chris Duarte out for at least the rest of the preseason, expect Jones to step up in the second unit.
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