New Orleans Pelicans: Tre Jones Could be the Perfect Backup Point Guard

How Tre Jones fits on the New Orleans Pelicans

If the Pelicans do decide to draft for need rather than upside, Jones ticks a lot of the boxes.

He could immediately get run with the second unit, taking over point guard duties when Lonzo goes to the bench.

He would fit well along Jrue Holiday or Ball in stretches and would maintain the Pelicans’ defensive presence in the backcourt.

The Pelicans lack rim protectors, so they need guards who can keep people out of the lane, and Jones would make a formidable defensive three-some with Ball and Holiday.

The three could even play together. The Oklahoma City Thunder had a lot of success this season with their three point guard lineup, which was the best crunch-time lineup in the NBA.

Considering the Pelicans have one of the worst clutch teams, this could be one way Alvin Gentry could improve his team’s ability to close out games.

As I mentioned before, the Pelicans’ bench has few playmakers, as guys like Redick and Melli and even Josh Hart are mostly spot-up shooters.

Jones is the type of pass-first point guard the second unit needs to keep things humming when the starters go to the bench.

Jones also gives the second unit more of a defensive identity, which is currently lacking. Jones and Hart could potentially lock down the other’s teams guards, which would give the Pelicans a big advantage when the starters are on the bench.

Jones defensive ability and playmaking make him the perfect fit as a backup point guard for the New Orleans Pelicans.

Most mock drafts have Jones going much lower, so it will be interesting to see if his intangibles and NBA-ready defense are enough to intrigue teams to take a chance.

Jones may not end up going to the New Orleans Pelicans, but if they draft for need, he is a guy who fills a lot of them.