Rookie Colby Jones reflects on his first significant NBA opportunity
Nov 2, 2023, 6:32 PM
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 01: Colby Jones #20 of the Sacramento Kings passes the ball against Dario Saric #20 and Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriorsin the second quarter at Chase Center on November 01, 2023 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
On Wednesday night, Sacramento Kings’ rookie Colby Jones made his way to the scorer’s table at Chase Center. The Xavier product had seen the floor previously but was not logged for more than two minutes. With De’Aaron Fox’s absence, Jones was expected to be the backup point guard.
Checking into the game against the Golden State Warriors, he was assigned to a twelve-time All-Star, Chris Paul. The 21-year-old rookie was three when Paul made his NBA debut in 2005, but it didn’t stop there. By the night’s end, Colby Jones had shared the floor with plenty of stars he grew up watching. From Paul to Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green.
“It was a really cool moment for sure,” he said regarding guarding Paul. “Even with all the other players like Steph, Klay, and Draymond, growing up watching those guys play, it was a really cool moment, really humbling experience. It was a great experience.”
Despite admitted jitters, Jones found a way to impact the game for the Kings. In 17 minutes of play, he managed four points (including his first NBA bucket), three rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block on 2/4 shooting.
His lone block was an impressive, above-his-age rotation out of the zone. Colby Jones doesn’t play like a rookie, partially thanks to Xavier’s NBA style, but reviewing the film left him with defined improvements to emphasize en route to becoming a two-way connector.
Colby Jones just doesn’t look like a rookie.
Great defensive recognition to get this blocK. pic.twitter.com/IUIl0gi33I
— Brenden Nunes (@BrendenNunesNBA) November 2, 2023
“I definitley try to take pride on (the defensive end),” Colby Jones said. “I thought my on-ball defense was pretty good, but off the ball, there’s a lot of things I need to work on that I’ve seen. So, just going to try to get better in that area.”
With Fox expected to return soon, it may take some time for Jones to get another opportunity. In the meantime, his experience against the Warriors leaves the 34th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft with experiences to learn from. And his first official NBA points.
Colby Jones’s first official NBA bucket: pic.twitter.com/6nIGEn5TNu
— Brenden Nunes (@BrendenNunesNBA) November 2, 2023
When is the next Sacramento Kings Game?
Sacramento will conclude a three-game road trip with a two-game set against the Houston Rockets that will tip-off on Saturday night.
Following Saturday’s matchup, both teams will take a day off before running things back on Monday afternoon once again at Toyota Center.
Be sure to tune in right here on Sactown Sports 1140 for all of your Kings vs. Rockets coverage, beginning at 3:30 PM PST on Game Night before a 5:00 PM PST tip-off from downtown Houston.
Upcoming Sacramento Kings Schedule
- Saturday, November 4th – Sacramento Kings @ Houston Rockets – 5 PM PST
- Monday, November 6th – Sacramento Kings @ Houston Rockets – 5 PM PST
- Wednesday, November 8th – Sacramento Kings vs. Portland Trail Blazers – 7 PM PST
- Friday, November 10th – Sacramento Kings vs. Oklahoma City Thunder** – 7 PM PST
- Monday, November 13th – Sacramento Kings vs. Cleveland Cavaliers – 7:00 PM PST
** NBA In-Season Tournament Group Play
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