Terrence Jones to Rockets: Scouting Report, Video Highlights and Analysis

Although some questions about his motor and mental game might always exist, Terrence Jones is one of those high-upside prospects who could very well drastically outproduce the expectations associated with his draft slot en route to becoming a superstar. 

The lefty forward's numbers declined during his second season under John Calipari at the University of Kentucky, leaving Jones quite short of his expected spot among the best college basketball had to offer, but don't let that dissuade you from his long-term potential. If anything, he got better on both ends of the court while learning how to play on an insanely talented team. 

What Jones Brings to the Team

At 6'9", Jones may draw the dreaded "tweener" label. However, it would be much better to think of him instead as a player who can capably play either small forward or power forward rather than as a confused forward stuck between positions. 

One of the single most impressive traits Jones possesses is the court vision more often found in players who line up at point guard. He sees the flow of the game a step ahead of the rest and possesses both the raw passing skills and dribbling abilities to serve as a facilitating small forward. 

Even if he's not scoring, Jones can be a great playmaker. 

As for power forward, Jones will always be a bit undersized, but he has the strength and athleticism necessary to make up for that. While the former Wildcat is better served at small forward, he can fit in at power forward without giving his coach panic attacks while considering what sort of lineup he's just thrown out on the court. 

Jones' versatility is his primary calling card on both ends of the court.

What Experts are Saying

Around the Interwebs, experts almost universally agree that Jones has a tremendous amount of potential on both offense and defense thanks to that aforementioned athleticism. 

As Draft Express' Matt Kamalsky writes:

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An incredibly versatile and talented player with clear-cut NBA tools, Jones was an elite player in the college game when he was zoned in, but the difficulties he has had making his presence felt on a consistent basis, staying focused for entire games, and not pouting when things don't go his way remain disconcerting.

While it is easy to find a niche for Jones's skill set on a NBA roster, the challenge for front offices will be ensuring that he's put in a position to reach his full potential –a much more complex proposition.

"

Without a doubt, Jones' mental game is the topic that dominates most discussions about the forward.

Rookie Impact

The versatility and prowess on defense will allow Jones to earn a long-term spot in the rotation fairly early on during his NBA career. There's always a spot for a great defender.

During his freshman season at Lexington, Jones struggled offensively at times due to a limitation in moves. He wanted to go left each and every time he got the ball—to be fair, he was good enough at it that the singular move still worked a large portion of the time—and didn't show the desire to build his arsenal. 

Jones may not have improved his stock with his sophomore campaign, but he did add a number of alternate options with the ball in his hands while maintaining his status as an elite finisher and a deadly transition threat. 

He'll clearly continue to improve as he gains experience, but Jones should contend for a spot on an All-Rookie team. 

Pick Analysis

With Jeremy Lamb and Royce White already selected by the Houston Rockets, the addition of Terrence Jones only solidifies the solid strides this squad has made in the first round.

At 6'10, 252-pounds, Jones is your prototypical power forward with the ability to make an instant impact on both ends of the court for the Rockets. His timing is impeccable, which paired with his spring-like leaping ability lends to a shot-blocking threat on the defensive end, as well as a reliable rebounder. His post moves have continued to improve and with guards like Kyle Lowry and Goran Dragic guiding him, he'll be able to seamlessly work into the Rockets strategy.