2023 NBA Draft Grizzlies Profiles: Colby Jones

Colby Jones can bring both size and skill to the Grizzlies in spades. It’s not the only thing he brings to the table, mind you. In fact, I’m of the mindset the Xavier guard may be one of the most underrated prospects in this draft.

Things to love

For starters, his patience and basketball IQ have turned him into a proficient playmaker. Shot not there? It’s clear Jones as no issue sharing the ball. His assist numbers increased in each successive year during college. Memphis loves players who do not have the phrase “Me first” in their vocabulary. Should they draft him it would be keeping in step with this tenet.

Colby Jones is a great secondary playmaker. His court vision, awareness, and feel for the game are so impressive. Good secondary ball-handler out of ball-screens. One of the best connector pieces in the entire draft. pic.twitter.com/96a9QSzrI2

— Global Scouting (@GlobalScouting_) June 12, 2023

Also if you’re replacing Tyus in the lineup, it stands to reason you want his floater replaced too. Colby Jones as you covered there as well. His awareness of when to use it, and when to not, only speaks to his basketball IQ

Colby Jones has such a great floater in the lane. Does a great job of putting defenders in jail out of ball-screens / DHOs. His touch and knowing when to utilize the floater is impressive. An efficient below the rim finisher as well. pic.twitter.com/mrfifakl3O

— Global Scouting (@GlobalScouting_) June 12, 2023

Additionally, how could you not love his size? I mean, Jones measures at 6’6″ while weighing 205. With that size there’s potential there for him to play both guard spots if needed.

I imagine it’s also another reason why he exhibits such a persistent effort on the defense end. Sure he needs to limit his mistakes on defense, but don’t all rookies? Tell you what not all rookies do, rebound at this level so early into their careers.

During each of his college seasons, Jones’ board tallies exceeded 4.5 on average per game.

Footage of Xavier's Colby Jones at the Excel Sports Pro Day at the NBA draft combine. The 20-year old projected first round pick had quite a few NBA eyeballs on him in Chicago. pic.twitter.com/PyEra0EBUT

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 20, 2023

A player exhibiting true effort on both ends of the floor? Who displays a team first mentality while also hooping at high degree? Colby Jones sounds like he belongs with the Memphis Grizzlies already.

Things to ask about

Will his shot continue to develop? This isn’t to say that Jones has bad shot. It’s more to say that certain aspects of his shot need work. He’s always shot the ball at a decent rate from two. In three seasons with the Musketeers, he never shot below 52%. His shot beyond the arc and at the line? Now those aspects of his game could use some work.

The biggest area of concern for Colby Jones is his lack of creation skills and shot-making ability. On the season he shot below 30% from the field on all pull-up jumpers. He lacks shiftiness, burst, and isn’t very creative with his handle. Struggles to create separation off the… pic.twitter.com/4QQceBGe9Z

— Global Scouting (@GlobalScouting_) June 12, 2023

Sure the rate at which he shot the three ball was at the highest as a Junior (37.8%). The fact that there was severe fluctuation from year to year still remains. His Sophomore year? Well he shot the ball at an abysmal 29.2% clip. That’s almost a ten percent leap. Considering it was 33.3% as a Freshman….well I’d call that sporadic.

That’s without even mentioning his free throws. Which, I guess now’s as good a time as any. He’s not what I would call a great free throw shooter. In fact his numbers from the line decreased after his rookie season. He shot the ball 75.7% from the line his first season at Xavier. Last year the rate was 65.3%. That’s more than a ten percent decline. Considering he attempted 3.4 shots from the line his Junior year… well you would like to see him make more than 65.3 % of them. When your team is full of guys who can’t make free throws, is bringing in another the answer?

Verdict

If we’re being honest, should Colby Jones fall Memphis should probably still pull the trigger and trade up. They should do so and not think twice about it. Sure he’s got parts of his game that needs work, but every single rookie in this draft does. All things considered, I’d consider Jones a very underrated prospect.

Does he need to work on his shot? Of course. The improvements he’s shown across other aspects of his game prove he’ll put in the work though. Jones has a relentless defensive motor. You think that type of player won’t put in the effort?

Colby Jones should be at the top of the prospect list, or at the very least near the top. He’s the kind of player who could make you regret passing on him. We’ll see if Memphis makes the choice to not get back in the draft’s late 1st round to try to snag him.