Kam Jones is thrilled to be back in Milwaukee, even if he faces a tough path to legitimate playing time with the Bucks. In the early days of training camp and the preseason, as the young guard makes his first impression on coaches, players, and everyone else, he knows that defense is one thing he can be in full control of that could improve his stock. He went into detail about it after a recent practice.
"I think defense is going to be my biggest, what's the word? That's my biggest advantage. I need to, every possession, give everything I have on defense... Defense is by far the most important with my situation and where I am and competing."
Jones is ready to attack on defense
The guard is spot on here. With pieces like Ryan Rollins, Tyler Herro, and Kevin Porter Jr. in town, they will get most of the on-ball reps in camp. After all, they will do most of the heavy lifting during the NBA season. Although he won't have many opportunities to shine with the ball in his hands, which may hurt his stock on offense, Jones can still make his mark by playing intense defense.
If Jones is holding his own when defending players like Rollins, Herro, or Porter, it will draw attention. Coach Taylor Jenkins is still evaluating all options in the early days of camp, and though Jones is on a two-way contract, if he's turning heads when defending NBA-level players, it could make bringing him into the rotation all the easier—just like when Ryan Rollins first came onto the scene.
Jones is in the perfect spot to grow
There are few spots that would have made more sense for Jones. Obviously, there is the Milwaukee connection, as the guard returns to the city where he played his college basketball. Second, Taylor Jenkins is a player development savant who continues to hammer home the importance of defense, an area Jones can certainly provide support in as he develops with Milwaukee.
Before Jenkins became coach, though, the Milwaukee Bucks were already known as a team willing to promote internal talent. AJ Green, Ryan Rollins, and Cormac Ryan are all players who have spent time in the G League with the Wisconsin Herd before making their way to the Bucks. If Jones puts his head down and works both in the NBA and the G League, he could earn a promotion in due time.
For now, it's all about the defensive intensity. If he keeps playing hard, the right eyes will take notice, whether it's with the Milwaukee Bucks or the Wisconsin Herd.
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