NBA Summer League 2016 MVP: Tyus Jones Wins Coveted Award

A brilliant performance in Las Vegas has led to Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Tyus Jones being named the 2016 Samsung NBA Summer League MVP.

The Timberwolves' public relations staff confirmed the news Sunday.

Jones has been nothing short of fantastic for the Timberwolves. He ranks second in points per game (19.4), tied for second in field goals made (42) and first in assists per game (6.3) among all players with seven games played in Las Vegas.

In addition to his total body of work, Jones has done everything in his power to turn things around for Minnesota after a slow start this summer.

The T-Wolves started 0-3, earning the 24th seed in the tournament, but have won their last four games to set up a date with the Chicago Bulls for the Las Vegas Summer League championship Monday.

Against the Phoenix Suns in the semifinals, Jones scored 29 points on 9-of-17 shooting and dished out six assists in Minnesota's 93-83 win.

Former Duke teammate Quinn Cook took notice of Jones' hard work:

"

Sheeesh @Tyusjones06!! Get that championship and MVP fool!!! Bro taking Vegas over! RiP DAD!

— Quinn Cook (@QCook323) July 18, 2016"

The Timberwolves aren't lacking talent at point guard. Ricky Rubio is the incumbent starter, and Kris Dunn, the fifth overall draft pick in June, looked good in the summer league before a concussion forced him to sit out Minnesota's last five games.

Jones is the No. 3 point guard on Minnesota's roster, but the 20-year-old's MVP performance this summer has given head coach Tom Thibodeau something to think about. The Timberwolves have amassed a special collection of young talent, including each of the last two NBA Rookies of the Year (Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns), with Jones adding his name to the mix.