Minnesota Timberowolves: Tyus Jones should be the starter

Just a few weeks ago, it seemed like the Minnesota Timberwolves had too many point guards. Now, they’re battered and bruised and would be well-served to see what they have in Tyus Jones.

Tyus Jones is still recovering from the sprained ankle suffered in Philadelphia back on Jan. 15, but he should be close to a return to the Minnesota Timberwolves lineup.

Once his injury is fully healed, should the Wolves continue to let Jones lead the second unit, or should they consider starting the soon-to-be restricted free agent,?

The Timberwolves have a point guard problem as we near the end of the season. While the team currently possesses three competent starters, there is a possibility that the whole trio could be playing elsewhere come next season.

Starter Jeff Teague is likely to opt into his player option heading into the 2019-20 season, given his age (31) and the high salary ($19 million). However, it’s possible that Teague decides that his talents could shine brighter with a different franchise moving forward. After all, Teague is known for being a good teammate and has never missed the playoffs in his career, so he shouldn’t have much trouble finding new gig and avoid playing on a one-year deal.

Former MVP Derrick Rose is also set to hit the open market come 2019-20. Rose, currently playing on the veteran’s minimum, may look for both a role and salary increase. Even if Derrick is retained by the Timberwolves, the guard has thrived while coming off the bench this season. Minnesota would be wise to let that trend continue, rather than to insert Rose into the starting lineup on a full-time basis.

And that leaves Tyus Jones. Jones is the only viable long-term point guard option currently on the Timberwolves roster, but he’s also a restricted free agent this summer.

Interim head coach Ryan Saunders would be wise to consider letting him run the show with the first team for the remainder of the year, giving Jones an audition as the starter while allowing the organization to evaluate Jones’ potential as the floor general of the future. For his part, Jones would get the opportunity to display his talents to the 29 other franchises should Minnesota not find the guard a good fit moving forward.

While it may be a lot to ask of veteran Teague to come off the bench, it would be wise for the Timberwolves to toss Tyus Jones the keys to the proverbial car before they find themselves in a tough, point-guard-less position come July.