Early Career and College Days
Tyus Jones began shaping his basketball career at Apple Valley High School where he garnered attention for his excellent point guard skills. Scoring an average of 28.2 points per game during his senior year, Tyus led his team to victory in state championships.
Moving forward, he played for Duke University. Tyus shined at the NCAA tournament in his freshman year, posting an average of 11.8 points and 5.6 assists per game. His performance in the championship game earned him the Final Four Most Outstanding Player title.
Entry into the NBA
In 2015, Tyus declared for the NBA Draft. The Cleveland Cavaliers selected him in the first round as the 24th overall pick but then traded him to the Minnesota Timberwolves. During his rookie season, Tyus averaged
- 10.5 minutes per game
- 4.2 points per game
- 2.4 assists per game
Tyus increased his efficiency in the subsequent seasons, gradually earning more playing time and responsibilities on the court.
Establishing as a Reliable Point Guard
From 2016 to 2019, Tyus evolved significantly. Despite the team’s inconsistent lineup, he showcased stellar performance metrics that proved his value.
- Highest assist-to-turnover ratio in the league during the 2018-2019 season (6.9:1)
- Improved his shooting percentage to above 40%
- Displayed strong defensive skills with 1.5 steals per game
Transformation with the Memphis Grizzlies
In 2019, Tyus signed a three-year contract with the Memphis Grizzlies worth $28 million. Joining the Grizzlies marked a turning point in his career.
He adapted to his new role impeccably, contributing to the team’s young core by averaging 7.4 points and 4.4 assists per game in the 2019-2020 season. His leadership qualities and ability to control the pace of the game became evident.
Milestones and Future Potential
Tyus reached several career milestones, highlighting his growth and importance. In the 2020-2021 season, he played all 72 games and helped the Grizzlies secure a playoff berth. His performance showed improvement across various domains:
- Set career-highs in scoring with 9.3 points per game
- Had personal bests in assists with 4.9 per game
- Improved his three-point shooting percentage to 38.8%
As Tyus continues to evolve, he proves to be an indispensable asset to any team. His journey exemplifies dedication, improvement, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. His trajectory indicates a promising future ahead in the NBA.
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