Jones will get chance to show what he can do

With the Warriors’ preseason opener against Minnesota set for Saturday, Damian Jones is on track to start at center.

“I’ll probably start DJ,” Golden State head coach Steve Kerr said after practice Thursday. “I haven’t made up my mind, but I’ll probably start Damian because I know what Jordan (Bell )and( Kevon) Looney can do.

“They played huge roles for us deep into the playoffs. We know what they can do, but we want to see what Damian can do. We also have to make a decision on his contract, but we’d like to give him a chance with our starters.”

With DeMarcus Cousins expected to miss the start of the season as he recovers from a torn Achilles tendon, Jones is trying to make the leap from seldom-used reserve to starter. His size and promise have long intrigued Golden State’s front office. Now, after two seasons spent largely in the G League, he is poised for a rotation spot with the big club.

“We’re all impressed by DJ and his work ethic, and how much better he’s gotten over the last couple of years,” forward Kevin Durant said. “I know he’s excited about that opportunity, and we are, too.” Cousins update: The next step in Cousins’ rehab from a torn left Achilles tendon came at Warriors practice Thursday, when he took part in the first half-hour of skill work with the team.

It was a feel-good development for a player recovering from one of basketball’s most career-threatening injuries. Golden State has yet to provide a timetable for Cousins’ return to game action, but he will be examined by team trainers Oct. 22 — three games into the regular season.

Odds are, of course, that he’ll miss more time. Most athletes take eight to 10 months before returning from an Achilles injury. Cousins, who tore his Achilles on Jan. 27 while with the Pelicans, won’t be rushed back onto the court. With four other All-Stars available, Golden State is intent on easing him back into game action slowly.

Still, it won’t hold him out just for the sake of preserving him for the playoffs. Cousins will play when he’s ready. And based on his early progress, that could be sooner than some expected.

The other good news for the Warriors on Thursday was that Andre Iguodala, who was limited Wednesday with a rib issue, was a full participant in the team scrimmage. However, Patrick McCaw has yet to sign Golden State’s $1.7 million qualifying offer and has still not joined the team for training camp.