Report: Rockets to bring back Terrence Jones

The Houston Rockets and Terrence Jones saga is an interesting one.

It’s not interesting in the sense that it’s fun or enticing or even that there are emotional stakes at hand. No, it’s interesting in the sense that there even is one, and that it seems that story will continue to grow.

According to Kelly Iko of The Athletic on Monday, (subscription required) the 6’9”, eight-year vet out of Kentucky will join Houston “soon.” It was previously rumored a few days ago that the Rockets were interested in adding Jones, but now those rumors seem all but inked on a contract.

Jones, a former Rockets first-round pick, spent four total seasons with Houston from 2012 to 2016 before signing with the New Orleans Pelicans and, subsequently, the Bucks in the 2016-2017 season after being waived. The vet didn’t see a minute of NBA action again until last season, where the Rockets had him under contract for a whole 20 days (two 10-day contracts). Jones played a little over a combined five minutes last year.

The addition isn’t necessarily the worst thing in the world, after some solid additions and key re-signings this summer, the Rockets have room to play around with depth. One of their glaring weakness, of course, is in the frontcourt, which a forward like Jones can bring depth to. He’s still serviceable as well.

In a combined 26 games in the NBA G League last year, Jones averaged 23.6 points and 9.4 rebounds a game on 53% shooting from the field. The most notable aspect of his game is the fact that he shot nearly 41% from three on 3.6 attempts from deep a game. There is an obvious upward trend with his range, as he shot a solid 37% from deep in 16 total G-League games the year before.

If Terrence Jones can translate his rebounding and range to the Rockets this summer, there will surely be a place for him on the roster.