keep the playmaker role alive

While some franchises operate without a true point guard and others rely more heavily on scorers at the 1 position, the Bulls entered the season with a true, “old-fashioned” point guard. Kobe White in the infirmaryBilly Donovan chose to pair Tre Jones with Josh Giddy, and so far the formula is working well.

“I knew it right away, and I said it last year about Treo: he’s got that little bit more, there’s no doubt about it.” the coach of Chicago believeso former Spurs leader. “He’s a real winner, a natural competitor. He’s also a great person, an exemplary teammate and a pleasure to be around. Look at his smile – he’s the same guy, day in and day out.”

Extended this summer for three years, Tre Jones is averaging 12.5 points, 8 assists and 4 steals, and the Bulls are part of a very exclusive club of teams that are still undefeatedwith the Sixers, Spurs and Thunder. What does he think of this “old fashioned leader” label?

“It’s true that basketball is becoming a bit positionless,” he admits. “But I’m trying to keep the point guard role, especially with my size. I don’t think the position will disappear completely. There will always be a place for a leader and for that mentality. It’s something I’ve always been proud of. How can you not be proud to be called a pure playmaker?”

Use the slightest opportunity to assert yourself

A former point guard himself, Billy Donovan reminds that everything is a matter of opportunity in the NBA and you have to know how to use it. “My career wasn’t long, I’m the first to admit it” remembers his time with the Knicks. “But I quickly realized one thing: the most important statistic for an NBA player is the number of minutes played. All of these guys are very talented and if they get the right opportunity they will show what they can do. I don’t know all the details of his time in San Antonio, but a lot of players find themselves in situations where a superstar stands in their way. I don’t know all the details.

Billy Donovan thinks of the player who exploded last season, and who at the same time made a nice contract. “Look at a player like (Aaron) Nesmith at Indiana. He was drafted by Boston, he didn’t have a spot. He comes to Indiana … and helps the team get to the Finals. Sometimes it’s all about the context.”

For Tre Jones, this move to the Spurs was very formative. “I loved my time in San Antonio. But now I love being in Chicago. I’ll never say anything bad about the Spurs — they prepared me to succeed here.”

How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.