Tyus

Jones

In an era of score-first point guards, Phoenix Suns point guard Tyus Jones still fits the mold of a traditional point guard. He’s a consistent playmaker and someone who caught the eye of Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups. Before Monday’s game, Billups gave a strong endorsement to the Suns starting point guard.

“I’ve been a huge fan of Tyus (Jones) for years, man,” Billups said via AZCentral’s Duane Rankin. “I just think that he makes everybody better. He plays with a level of humility that you love from your point guard. He’s so smart, so crafty. This situation is tailor-made for him, it is. He is a big shot-maker.

“He knows who he is more than anything, and he knows who he’s playing with. That’s what they needed. I think he’s tailor-made for this situation, but I’ve been a huge fan of Tyus. He’s also a very scrappy defender. He doesn’t get a lot of credit for that, but a lot of teams attack him and go after him, and you have to fight on your hands when you do that. I’m proud and happy for the entire team for the price they got him at.”

Billups is referencing the Suns landing Jones for $3.3 million in free agency. That bargain of contract has resulted in the Duke basketball alums best season of his career. He’s averaging a career-high 12.8 points, 6.9 assists and 2.6 rebounds per game. His savviness and veteran leadership have been essential while Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal have battled injuries.