Grizzlies waive Eddie Jones; Spurs should be interested.

Eddie Jones is about as Bruce Bowen-like as it gets but with more game.

Jones will no doubt have the Lakers at the top of his list but I would be surprised if the Spurs didn't contact his agent. If the Spurs got Jones and his expiring contract, they could move Barry for a younger player.

I have always maintained that Barry and Finley duplicate each other so moving one of them makes the most sense. Barry and Finley are both primarily offensive contributors whereas Jones is more versatile and can play the kind of defense that Pop craves.

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Eddie Jones waived by Grizzlies

InsideHoops.com NewsWire | Jan. 30, 2007

Memphis Grizzlies President of Basketball Operations Jerry West announced today the Grizzlies have waived guard Eddie Jones.

In 29 games this season, Jones averaged 5.6 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 19.3 minutes per game. The veteran guard scored a season-high 19 points, including the game-winning shot, in a 132-130 overtime victory on Jan. 24 at Utah.

“We thank Eddie for his tremendous contributions during his stay in Memphis,” said West. “He was a consummate professional and we wish him well in his future basketball endeavors. On a personal note, I think he has a bright future in basketball after his playing days are over.”

Last season he averaged 11.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.75 steals in 75 games. His 1.75 steals per game was the highest average by a Grizzly since the team moved to Memphis. In four playoff appearances against Dallas, he averaged 10.3 points per game, the second-highest scoring average on the team.

Jones was acquired by Memphis from Miami in a five-team trade on August 2, 2005. In 104 games with Memphis, he averaged 10.1 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. Through 872 career games, Jones is averaging 15.7 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game.

http://www.insidehoops.com/jones-waived-013007.shtml

Looks likes he is head to Miami:

Eddie Jones is heading back to the Miami Heat, ESPN.com has learned.

Jones agreed Monday on a buyout with the Memphis Grizzlies, giving up about $300,000 of his $15.7 million salary to gain his freedom from the team with the NBA's worst record. The money lost through the buyout will be made up when he signs for a prorated portion of the NBA minimum.

Link

I wouldn't like the Spurs to sign him.We don't need another old guard.
Sorry but no thanks!

I am with Israel on this. The last thing we need is another slow, old guard. If it was 5 years ago, I'd love to have him as a Spur, but not now.

That Heat team is really old now. Shaq, Zo, Payton, Eddie Jones.

I'm not surprised by the reaction.

Everyone seems to be missing my point. Barry, Finley and Jones are similar in respect to age and position. The key difference is that Jones is the only one of the three that can guard anybody. On defense, Barry is a foul waiting to happen and Finley is an opponent drive and layup waiting to happen.

I sat behind the Grizzlies bench when they came to play the Spurs and Jones played excellent defense on Manu, practically shutting him down. Jones looked healthy and effective when he was in the game. Like any team tanking for draft picks, Jones sat most of the 4th quarter thus ensuring the Grizzlies another loss.

Since Jones doesn't appear to be interested in the Spurs, the point is moot. But if Jones wanted to come here for the rest of this season at the veterans minimum, the Spurs would be foolish not to unload Barry or Finley.

Barry's remaining salary especially is something the Spurs have been trying to dump for the past two seasons. I can't imagine that his hot-cold play this season has dramatically changed their minds about that.