Grading the surprising Sacramento Kings draft night decisions
By Logan Struck
Decision 2: Trading up to draft Colby Jones
Approximately 50 minutes after the first Sacramento Kings trade was announced, there was another Woj bomb, as we found out the Kings were trading up to the 34th overall pick to draft Colby Jones. This was more of an immediate impact trade than the first one, as we knew exactly what we were getting in return.
In exchange for the 34th overall pick, the Kings sent the Boston Celtics pick 38 and a future second-rounder. The Celtics used the 38th pick to draft Arkansas’ Jordan Walsh, who was also on our draft board for the Kings.
While we were high on Jordan Walsh, we are even higher on Colby Jones. He was 8th on our board of prospects the Kings should target with the 24th pick, so drafting him at pick 34 is a steal.
The 6’6″ versatile guard out of Xavier University can play the 1-3 and is a do-it-all player. While Kings fans might think that Sacramento does not need any more guards, Jones is much more than a third-string shooting guard.
After spending his first two college seasons trying to make his mark, he had a breakout junior year. Jones averaged 15.0 points, 4.4 assists, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game with 51/38/65 shooting splits. The only question mark, stat-wise, is his free throw percentage, as he must increase from 65%.
Colby Jones can do it all on offense. He can handle the ball, has fantastic vision, can shoot from deep, has a nice shot from mid-range, and can get to the basket with an impressive finishing touch. His versatility, with his size, allows him to play the 1-3 and can be effective from anywhere on the court, with and without the ball in his hands.
Along with his deep offensive game, Colby Jones is a versatile defender. While being able to play the 1-3, Jones can also guard these positions. He is a hustle player with lockdown capabilities while being active off-ball as well.