Timberwolves Mid-Preseason Winners and Losers

Oct 7, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Tyus Jones (1) looks on during the first half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Winner #1: Tyus Jones

Jones came into camp sitting at 3rd or 4th on the depth chart at point guard, depending on your view of Lorenzo Brown. Most people didn’t see him as ready for the NBA, something I thought was weird because he was masterful in leading Duke in their March Madness run.

He didn’t do very well in Summer League, either, and he was below-average in two of the first three preseason games.

In the game against the Bulls, however, Jones showed what he can do on a good night. He finished the night with 18 points and 9 assists in 25 minutes, shooting a perfect 3 for 3 from behind the arc and even threw a couple of nice alley-oop passes for good measure.

It doesn’t seem like Jones will get consistent minutes this year unless Ricky Rubio goes down, given the free agent signing of Andre Miller, but if he is thrust into action, he showed that he should be able to produce some quality NBA play.

Next: Winner #2: The Old Rookie