Takeaways from 2016 NBA Summer League Semifinals and Championship Preview

Ricky Rubio is still on the Minnesota Timberwolves, and team owner Glen Taylor doesn’t think that will change anytime soon, per Sid Hartman of the Star Tribune. Kris Dunn, the 2016 NBA draft’s No. 5 pick, should earn enough minutes to become a fringe contender for Rookie of the Year. 

If summer league is any indication, no one should count out Tyus Jones in the battle for minutes at point guard in Minnesota.

After leading the Wolves to a 93-83 comeback victory over the Phoenix Suns on Sunday at Las Vegas Summer League, he’ll have one more chance to demonstrate his abilities in Sin City. He’ll guide the Timberwolves into battle against the Chicago Bulls in the championship game as the newly named Summer League MVP, per the Timberwolves’ Twitter feed. 

Jones clearly got the better of Tyler Ulis in the head-to-head matchup at point guard on Sunday, exploding for 29 points, three rebounds, six assists and a steal while shooting 9-of-17 from the field and 11-of-13 from the charity stripe. He consistently worked his way into the teeth of the defense, minimizing the ill effects of his shaky jumper with a steady stream of layups and mid-range splashes.

Share Tweet

Not even an injury to his left wrist just before halftime could hold him back. He emerged from the tunnel with some white tape enveloping that wrist and continued playing effective basketball. 

During his rookie season, Jones struggled to justify the first-round pick Minnesota spent on him in 2015. Every metric suggested a below-average player: He shot just 35.9 percent from the field, registered a 11.2 player efficiency rating and posted a minus-3.7 box plus/minus. 

This summer, however, he’s looked like a different player. He’s dribbling the ball with confidence and appears to be in complete command of each offensive set. He’s doing what you want from a second-year vet in Sin City:

During summer league, the pickup style often leads to depressed field-goal percentages and plenty of turnovers. Players are forcing the issue while trying to prove themselves, and the lack of established chemistry often leads to communication breakdowns. 

Despite living on the floor in Vegas, the sophomore point guard is dodging that …

continue reading in source www.bleacherreport.com