2. Improved handle and playmaking
When CJ McCollum and Jose Alvarado missed the entire fourth quarter against the Miami Heat last week, New Orleans turned to Jones to become the lead ball-handler. The offense failed to click, but Jones looked comfortable in his limited time running the show.
O'Connor's pre-draft profile called Jones "a non-factor on the perimeter," but his shooting ability has opened up his entire floor game. Most of his scoring touches come when he touches the ball for less than two seconds (68% of the time). However, the swingman boasts ridiculous efficiency even when he's not being set up by teammates.
When Jones self-creates, he's shooting 52% from the field, one of the best marks on the team.
His scoring and self-creation aren't the only things that have improved. Jones' usage rate has steadily increased in his career, peaking at 14.6% this season. In that time, his assist rate has increased (10.9%) while his turnover ratio has plummeted (9.5).
All of these have led to the Pelicans' being one of the most efficient units in the league when Jones is on the floor. The team's net rating with Jones running the wings is 6.0, which would make them the fourth best team in the NBA.
His improved offense has raised his ceiling, but his floor as a player comes from his defensive impact, the final key to his ascenion into stardom.