GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. — It doesn’t matter that Bobby Jones probably won’t have a defined role until the end of the Nuggets’ training camp. He still recognizes a golden opportunity.
If Jones can put together a few more games as he did in the Nuggets’ 119-110 exhibition loss to the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday before a sellout crowd of 11,733 at Van Andel Arena, the role could become an expanded one.
With Allen Iverson, Carmelo Anthony, Marcus Camby and Kenyon Martin getting the night off, Jones stepped into the starting lineup and scored 26 points, including 14 points in a torrid 7 1/2-minute stretch in the third quarter when Denver cut a nine-point deficit to 86-82.
A 6-foot-7 forward, Jones, who joined the Nuggets in a four-player deal with Philadelphia on Sept. 10, is known more for his defense, but he hit 9-of-13 shots against the Pistons (3-2), including 4-of-5 on 3-point attempts. He made 5-for-5 shots while scoring his 14 third-quarter points.
“I was in a good rhythm,” he said. “I missed a few free throws, but overall I thought I played well. A lot of people can score, but my job is to disrupt teams’ offenses. I had some open shots tonight, and I hit them. I want to be a complete player.”
Although Nuggets coach George Karl said Jones’ future probably won’t be decided until the end of training camp Oct. 26, showings like Wednesday’s are noticed. Jones entered the game averaging 8.5 points and 2.8 rebounds in four exhibition games. He played in 44 games with the 76ers a year ago, averaging 2.5 points and 1.3 rebounds.
While Jones is noted for defense and showed he’s capable of impressive offensive showings, Karl said he isn’t making any predictions how Jones fit into the roster – or if at all.
“I have no idea,” he said. “He’s surprised us and moved up the ladder. He’s definitely improved, but I’m not going to make any predictions or observations until camp is over.”
Jones said the playing time he has received has been his best chance at carving a niche on an NBA roster. He was drafted in the second round (37th overall) by Minnesota in 2006 but was quickly packaged off to Philadelphia in a draft-day deal. He wound up playing in 44 games with Philadelphia last year, but also averaged 13.7 points and eight rebounds in three games with the Fort Worth Flyers of the NBA Developmental League last November.
“I don’t want to take it easy,” he said of making the Nuggets’ roster. “I’m going to go hard in practice and play well when I get in games.”
Another player trying to make the roster is 6-5 guard Von Wafer, who chipped in seven points, four rebounds and two assists, but also turned over the ball four times in 24 minutes Wednesday. He’s trying to make the team as an extra guard capable of providing a scoring punch.
“I just want to get in and get a few minutes and contribute to the team,” said Wafer, who led the Nuggets’ summer league team in scoring with 24.2 points in 26 minutes per game.
