Kevin Jones makes his NBA debut for the Cleveland Cavaliers
Kevin Jones dominated the D-League this season.
In five games he averaged 23.6 points and 12.6 rebounds on 53 percent shooting.
During the Cavaliers 91-73 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, he earned his way onto the NBA floor for the first time.
It's possible that Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters helped out by keeping a watchful eye on the baby he's been pushing around during the game.
My sources, however, cannot confirm that specifically.
What I can confirm is that chapter one of the Kevin Jones era gave Cavs fans something to pay specific attention to last night. It may have even prevented some from turning another game it seemed obvious they'd lose completely off.
For the eight minutes and thirty-three seconds that Jones played, at least.
In that time he registered a plus/minus of +3. Significant, of course, because of the fact that the four-and-sixteen Cavaliers lost by 18 points.
He took three shots, made one and finished with two points. Jones also grabbed four rebounds and added a steal.
Afterwards, the rookie from West Virginia posted the following to his twitter account:
First NBA game, not gonna front I was a little nervous but I'm glad it happened I am gonna continue to work to get better
Heading into last night's game, I was intrigued by the Kevin Love vs. Anderson Varejao matchup. Unfortunately, Andy had a rough night while Uncle Wes finished with 36 points and 13 rebounds.
Derrick Williams, who some hoped the Cavaliers would select over Irving in the 2011 draft, finished with a DNP-CD.
Photo: @KevJones5
Cutting down the Cavs next year with four new draft choices is going to be tough for Coach Scott and staff.
Everyone, but Dion, Kyrie, Andy, Tristan and maybe Gee, is playing for a roster spot.
No one else is safe.
Kevin Jones could be a keeper; this is his opportunity.
Tristan is the second leading scorer, and he is the second leading rebounder among big men from the 2011 draft.
Only Faried has higher numbers, and he's 2 years older.
Tristan has, remarkably, adjusted his play in the last two games.
He now goes straight up with the shot without bowing to the waist.
Bowing was making him 5-9 instead of 6-9. (hence shots blocked)
Whether it's Z, Mosley, Andy, the Internet, whatever, something is helping him make adjustments to his game, and he's growing faster than I thought he would
In fact, I thought he might benefit from playing some "D" league, but not anymore.
Grant has had two great drafts in a row making tough decisions in both.
Chris Grant doesn't buy hype; he chooses quality and potential.
@BowersCLE yo @kevjones5 is going to be a fine ball player for the cavs I hope they see this and keep him around & allow him to develope
@rdwoodland77 @BowersCLE Kevin Jones will probably be a better offensive player than Tristan Thompson.
