Tyus Jones is an American professional basketball player currently serving as the point guard for the Phoenix Suns in the NBA. Born on May 10, 1996, in Burnsville, Minnesota, Jones has established himself as a reliable and efficient player throughout his career.
Early Life and College Career
Jones attended Apple Valley High School in Minnesota, where he gained recognition as a top-tier recruit. He played college basketball for the Duke Blue Devils during the 2014–2015 season, leading the team to an NCAA Championship and earning the NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player award.
Professional Career
- Minnesota Timberwolves (2015–2019): Jones was selected 24th overall in the 2015 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers and subsequently traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Over four seasons, he developed a reputation for his playmaking abilities and strong assist-to-turnover ratio.
- Memphis Grizzlies (2019–2023): In 2019, Jones signed with the Memphis Grizzlies, where he continued to excel as a dependable backup point guard. He led the league in assist-to-turnover ratio multiple times during his tenure.
- Washington Wizards (2023–2024): Jones was traded to the Washington Wizards in June 2023 as part of a three-team deal involving Kristaps Porziņģis and Marcus Smart. During his time with the Wizards, he recorded his second career triple-double and achieved a career-high 17 assists in a game against the Golden State Warriors.
- Phoenix Suns (2024–Present): On July 30, 2024, Jones signed with the Phoenix Suns, taking on the role of starting point guard for a contending team. He made an impressive debut on October 23, recording eight assists without a turnover, the most by a Suns player in a debut since the 1976 ABA-NBA merger.
Recent Developments
In February 2025, the Suns made a significant lineup change by replacing Jones with Bradley Beal in the starting lineup, pairing Beal with Devin Booker in the backcourt. This adjustment led to a victory over the Chicago Bulls, with Beal and Booker combining for 54 points. Head coach Mike Budenholzer praised Beal’s performance, indicating a potential shift in the team’s backcourt dynamics.
