Dallas Mavericks Claim Forward Jalen Jones Off Waivers
By Sean Bush
Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports reported Wednesday that the Mavericks have claimed Jalen Jones off of waivers. Jones was cut by the New Orleans Pelicans after appearing in just four games with the team.
Jalen Jones is a 24-year-old small forward out of Texas A&M. Jones previously spent time with the Mavericks G-League team, the Texas Legends, early in the season where he averaged 16.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists over a span of 5 games.
The rookie forward did not receive much in-game action with the Pelicans so there is not a lot to evaluate from based off of film. He has developed a reputation as a versatile defender and a plus athlete, not unlike current injured Mavericks swingman Dorian Finney-Smith.
The Mavericks have been actively looking for improved wing depth behind Harrison Barnes for matchup purposes. Jones, a Dallas-native and graduate of Justin F. Kimball High School, would ideally fill that roll and could provide some much needed defensive toughness against opposing wings.
This move is not altogether surprising, considering Collinsworth saw time in only 3 games during his time with the Mavs. During those 3 games, he played only a total of 23 minutes and only 4 points. The Mavs have also been using their two-way contracts as a bit of a carousel, switching out players regularly.
To make room for Jalen Jones, the Mavericks have decided to waive Kyle Collinsworth. Unless he receives interest from another NBA team, expect to see Collinsworth return to the Texas Legends where he is very well-thought of by the organization including head coach Bob Mackinnon.
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The former BYU star appeared in just four games as a Maverick, and never really cracked into the rotation. There is no guarantee that Jones will gain any more playing time than Collinsworth did, but it is likely though. Look forward to seeing him in a Mavs uniform this Saturday.