How will Jones fare as Warriors’ starting center?
OAKLAND — “He’s obviously a physical force of nature,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “He’s powerful and explosive.”
The Warriors rave about Jones’ attributes with his post presence, his passing, his work ethic and his inviting personality. No wonder the Warriors drafted him at No. 30 in the 2016 NBA Draft.
“It’s great to see how aggressive he’s become, especially on the offensive glass and when he’s around the rim,” Warriors guard Klay Thompson said. “He’s so big and active and so strong and athletic. He can make great plays.”
Yet, Jones has rarely made any great plays in a Warriors uniform. Rarely, has he even worn one. But after spending the past two years mostly with the Warriors’ G-League team in Santa Cruz, Jones’ role will change significantly soon. Kerr has named Jones the starting center for the Warriors’ preseason opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday at Oracle Arena and possibly beyond.
“He’s shown us in flashes. But he has an opportunity for more minutes and an extended role,” said Warriors assistant coach Jarron Collins, who works with the team’s centers. “I know he’s excited about seizing that opportunity. I want to see, just like everybody else, how he performs.”
How will Jones perform? Will he showcase the various qualities the Warriors’ recently departed veteran centers showed in the past two seasons? Will Jones mimic JaVale McGee’s lobs? Will Jones replicate Zaza Pachulia’s screens? Will Jones mirror David West’s physical presence and dependable jump shot?
“He has all the tools to be very successful and very very good as a young big in this league,” Collins said. “Having said that, he has to go do it.”
And the Warriors want him to do it consistently. But how?
“That’s a good question,” Kerr said. “The key is doing it consistently. That’s what we do every day. We harp on those things.”
Despite those question marks, the uncertainty partly explains why the Warriors will start Jones over second-year forward Jordan Bell and fourth-year forward Kevon Looney.
The Warriors want to see what numbers Jones can post after averaging 12.7 points on 68 percent shooting, 8.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 2.16 blocks in Santa Cruz. The Warriors to know how comfortable Jones can adapt his game with four All-Stars in Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson. The Warriors want data that will influence if they will guarantee his team option for the 2019-20 season, something they will have to decide by Oct. 30.
“We know what they can do, but we want to see what Damian can do,” Kerr said. “We also have to make a decision on his contract. But we’d like to give him a chance with our starters.”