Former Timberwolves guard faces brutal reality after being waived by new team

It's been a rough season for Tyus Jones. Expectations were fairly high for Jones when he signed with the Orlando Magic this offseason. Unfortunately, he proved to be unplayable, averaging just 3 points on 34.2 percent shooting from the field. Jones was traded twice at the deadline, once to the Charlotte Hornets and later to the Dallas Mavericks, where he played in eight games. On Sunday, Jones was waived by the Mavericks to create a roster spot for two-way standout Ryan Nembhard, and he is now searching for a new home. 

To make matters worse, it doesn't look like he has much interest from teams on the buyout market. Marc Stein listed the point guard-needy Houston Rockets as logical suitors for Jones, but noted that they don't have any immediate plans to make a roster move. Thus, Jones' market around the league seems to be limited.

"It has been assumed all season that Houston would look to add a veteran point after the trade deadline after gaining some financial flexibility beneath the luxury tax aprons, but I was told Sunday that the Rockets don't have any at-the-moment plans to make any roster additions," Stein wrote. 

It's unclear where Jones will go from here

I'm sure Jones would want to play with a contending team. Nevertheless, not a lot of the league's best teams need guard depth and have a roster spot to fill. Given this, it's hard to pinpoint a clear landing spot for Jones, especially since Stein didn't list any other teams to watch. A reunion with the Minnesota Timberwolves is out of the picture after they signed Kyle Anderson. 

If Jones gets signed, it will likely be in a pure depth role, as he hasn't proven that he can be a real contributor this season. Still, which team he best fits with and has interest in him is unclear.

Jones spent his four seasons with the Timberwolves, where he established himself as a quality rotational guard. With the Memphis Grizzlies, he became one of the league's best backup guards. 

However, in recent years, the game has passed Jones by in some ways. Jones is a traditional point guard who can control the game with his efficient playmaking, but versatility, size, and scoring have become more prioritized in recent years. At 6-foot, Jones has poor size, and he has always been a negative defender. This, coupled with his declining scoring, has limited Jones' effectiveness. 

Wolves fans will always remember Jones fondly for his time in Minnesota, and they are certainly rooting for him to land on his feet. Unfortunately, though, it wouldn't be shocking if Jones wasn't given another chance.