The Boston Celtics have acquired forward Perry Jones, a future second-round pick and cash from the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for a protected second-round pick. While the move is a luxury tax dump for the Thunder, it has potential be much more for the Celtics.
After being rumored as a potential lottery pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, Jones fell all the way to No. 28, where the Thunder finally pulled the trigger. The biggest reason for Jones’ drop in the draft was his slender frame. Jones stands 6-foot-11, but he only weighs 235 pounds. Even with his length, he gets out-muscled in the paint. To compensate for his lack of girth, Jones has become more perimeter-based, as he’s developed a nice mid-range game and has even extended out to the three-point line at times.
Celtics head coach Brad Stevens runs the perfect style for Jones’ talents. The Celtics like to get out and run, and with Jones’ athleticism, expect a lot of Marcus Smart-to-Jones alley-oops in 2015. Stevens loves to play 10 or 11 players in order to keep his guys fresh, and Jones will only add to that depth. Taking a look at the Celtics’ big guys last season in Tyler Zeller, Kelly Olynyk and Jared Sullinger, only Sullinger is a true post-up player. The Celtics thrive on versatility, and Jones will certainly provide options.
Even if Stevens isn’t able to get Jones to turn into a consistent player, the deal was too good to pass up. Essentially, the Celtics got a tremendously gifted 23-year-old, who has untapped potential, for free. With no risk, and a potentially huge reward, general manager Danny Ainge had to pull the trigger.
Jason Fletcher is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JasonFletcher25, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google+.