Terrence Jones of Kentucky: How Good Will He Be in the NBA?

The University of Kentucky's Terrence Jones has had an impressive season. He is currently averaging 18.7 points, 9.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.8 blocks per game.

After the season, Jones will likely be headed to the NBA (unless there is a lockout, of course). It can be difficult to project young players. Jones just turned 19.

How good will Jones be in the NBA?

1. What Position Will He Play?

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LEXINGTON, KY - JANUARY 03: Terrence Jones #3 of the Kentucky Wildcats dribbles the ball while defended by Jack Eggleston #24 of the Penn Quakers at Rupp Arena on January 3, 2011 in Lexington, Kentucky. Kentucky won 86-62. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Ima

Offensively, Jones projects to be a shooting forward. Defensively, he looks more like a power forward.

Most experts think Terrence Jones is ready to play small forward in the NBA now. That is where he will probably start out. However, where he plays may be decided by his defensive skills. Will Jones have the quickness to defend three-point shooters on the perimeter?

At 6'9" and 240, he is big and strong enough to bang with the power forwards. Jones is a hard worker who should be able to grab his share of rebounds. He attacks the rim, but can he score with the big boys down low?

2. Will He Be a Bust?

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LEXINGTON, KY - DECEMBER 11: Terrence Jones #3 of the Kentucky Wildcats shoots the ball during the 81-62 victory over the Indiana Hoosiers on December 11, 2010 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

The NBA draft is a mixed bag. Like in all other sports, there are a long list of busts.

Recent busts include Adam Morrison, Darko Milicic, Kwame Brown, DerMarr Johnson and Darius Miles. There are many more. All of these guys showed tremendous skills but couldn't get it done at the NBA level.

This does not appear to be the fate for Jones.

3. Will He Be a Role Player?

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LOUISVILLE, KY - DECEMBER 31: Terrence Jones #3 of the Kentucky Wildcats dunks the ball during the game against the Louisville Cardinals at the KFC Yum! Center on December 31, 2010 in Louisville, Kentucky. Kentucky won 78-63. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty I

Jones is just too much for many players at the college level. He presents a mismatch nearly every game. Check out the highlights of his game against Auburn.

In the NBA, will he be able to find those kinds of mismatches?

Many folks are comparing Terrence Jones to Marvin Williams. Williams was the second overall pick of the 2005 NBA Draft. Jones should end up being picked in the top five somewhere. Williams plays a lot (30 minutes a game) and is hardly a bust, but he has been an inconsistent player at best.

If Jones finds it difficult to overpower the shooting forwards and out-quick the power forwards, he may have a similar fate to Williams.

4. Will He Be a Playmaker?

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LOUISVILLE, KY - DECEMBER 08: Terrence Jones #3 of the Kentucky Wildcats dribbles the ball during the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the 2010 DIRECTV SEC/BIG EAST Invitational at Freedom Hall on December 8, 2010 in Louisville, Kentucky. K

Another guy that Jones is being compared to is Lamar Odom. Odom has had a long career in the NBA. He has averaged 14.7 points, 9.0 rebounds and 4.1 assists for his career. Odom puts up stats in all the categories.

Terrence Jones' playmaking skills are hidden at Kentucky. Coach John Calipari has been playing Jones more like a power forward, but Jones demonstrates great passing and ball-handling skills at times during games.

Here is a comparison of the two players in college:

Points

Jones: 18.6
Odom: 17.6

Rebounds

Jones: 9.4
Odom: 9.1

Assists

Jones: 1.7
Odom: 3.8

Odom has the obvious advantage in assists, but it isn't out of the question that Jones can do as well.

Can Jones have a career like Lamar Odom?

5. Will Jones Be an Elite Player?

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LEXINGTON, KY - DECEMBER 11: Terrence Jones #3 of the Kentucky Wildcats shoots the ball while defended by Maurice Creek #3 of the Indiana Hoosiers during the 81-62 Kentucky win on December 11, 2010 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Ima

Terrence Jones has an elite combination of size and skills, but he is not without flaws.

He lacks an explosive first step but has no trouble getting to the rim now. He also has an awkward jump shot that needs some work.

It is hard to project that Jones will be a top-level scorer or the No. 1 option on a team in the NBA. However, 17 or 18 points per game is certainly not out of the question after a year or two.

Can Jones step up his game and become an elite NBA player?