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Pacers Fan · 03-08-2005, 09:18 AM

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Q. For the second year in a row, it seems a Jones has showed remarkable progress after the All-Star break. Last year, Fred Jones became more assertive after winning the Slam-Dunk title during All-Star Weekend and from then on he has shown why our front office surprised the rest of the league by taking him with the 14th pick in the 2002 NBA Draft, and currently is getting the chance to show management was right in drafting him as a combo guard with his audition at the point.

This year, it's James Jones who seems to be showing marked progress after the All-Star hiatus to the point where in the last four games he has averaged 8.5 points and 3.5 rebounds in a little over 20 minutes per game. He has seen more playing time than expected due to the absences of some of our key players, but he seems to be capitalizing on the opportunity that has been presented to him. What has triggered this improvement in James Jones? Also, what plans does the front office have with respect to the Joneses since James is a free agent at the end of the year and Fred reportedly enters the final year of his contract next season? (From Carlos in San Jose, Costa Rica)

A. No player on the roster has benefited from the unexpected opportunities that have arisen as a result of injuries and suspensions than James Jones. He received invaluable experience as a starter immediately after the suspensions, not to mention a major confidence boost from his early string of strong performances. But as opponents began to adjust to his game, his output tailed off and he returned to a limited role after Stephen Jackson returned.

Jones, however, continued to work on his game. Aware teams were playing him strictly as a spot-up shooter, he has become more active off the dribble, showing a pull-up mid-range game. He is using the threat of his 3-point shot to draw defenders out, then make a move to get inside them. He also has worked on his defense, which remains a developmental priority. Generally speaking, he has looked much more comfortable and in rhythm in his recent appearances, which is the manifestation of his relentless work ethic.

It's safe to assume both Joneses will be a part of the team's future. The Pacers can negotiate an extension for Fred Jones during the summer of 2005, and there's every reason to believe that will get done because the Pacers don't want to lose him to free agency. The same is true for James Jones, although it remains to be seen how the depth chart at small forward will sort out when Ron Artest returns.

http://www.nba.com/pacers/news/question_050308.html

Nothing much to say about it, but it's great that JJ's been getting more consideration. Against the Lakers, he almost dunked on someone. You can clearly see he is getting better off the dribble, sadly, he's looking like Croshere out there. He needs to attack the rim.

**StephenJackson** · 03-09-2005, 08:45 AM

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Originally Posted by Pacers Fan

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http://www.nba.com/pacers/news/question_050308.html

Nothing much to say about it, but it's great that JJ's been getting more consideration. Against the Lakers, he almost dunked on someone. You can clearly see he is getting better off the dribble, sadly, he's looking like Croshere out there. He needs to attack the rim.

Very true, but he's still getting his feet wet. I think he can definitely grow into something big....hopefully it's with our team though...

Jermaniac Fan · 03-11-2005, 04:20 AM

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