The Cleveland Cavaliers have signed 11-year veteran shooting guard Dahntay Jones. Jones has been added just before the NBA playoffs begin and is expected to add key bench depth.
The Cavaliers have mostly been forced into this move by the key losses of Iman Shumpert and Mo Williams. Both players are seen as key players for the Cavaliers, as they both provide good play off the bench. Shumpert and Williams are both currently dealing with left knee injuries. Both are expected to make full recoveries in time for the playoffs.
Jones, 35, is expected to play in the regular season finale against the Detroit Pistons. Jones will wear No.30 for the Cavaliers. He is an 11-year veteran in the NBA, having played for the LA Clippers, Atlanta, Dallas, Indiana, Denver, Sacramento and Memphis. Jones was drafted by the Boston Celtics in 2003 out of Duke University.
Dahntay Jones is clearly happy to be with Cleveland heading into the playoffs; he had this to say to Chris Haynes of Cleveland.com after being signed by general manager David Griffin, “It’s an amazing opportunity. It’s a great organization with some great players. Just an opportunity to come in an try an help out any way possible. I’m just happy to be here and blessed to have the opportunity.”
Despite not playing in the NBA since last season, Jones has been playing for the D-League’s Grand Rapids Drive. Jones ended up on their roster after failing to make the Brooklyn Nets final roster. Jones put together a good season with the Drive, averaging 15.7 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 43 games. Jones also shot 41.2 percent from beyond the arc.
Jones is a sensible pick-up by the Cavaliers. He adds solid minutes of the bench, and is a very experienced player who will set the example for the young guys on the roster.
Big things are expected from the Cavaliers this year. They have been the best the East has to offer all season long and are expected by some to win it all. Jones may only be one part of that, but remember you need all the pieces of the jigsaw to complete it.
Main Photo By scott mecum – Flickr: Dahntay Jones, CC BY 2.0,
