Fansided

The most surprising player from each NBA team this season

By Connor Learn

Miami Heat forward James Johnson (16) is in today's DraftKings daily picks. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Miami Heat forward James Johnson (16) is in today's DraftKings daily picks. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 23, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Terrence Jones (9) reacts to the crowd during the fourth quarter of a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Cavaliers 124-122. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Terrence Jones (9) reacts to the crowd during the fourth quarter of a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Cavaliers 124-122. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

New Orleans Pelicans: Terrence Jones

Terrence Jones is a somewhat polarizing player. The 6-foot-9, 250 pound former Kentucky Wildcat possesses good athleticism and skills for a big man. These tools allowed him to become a highly ranked player in the class of 2010 and then a first round draft pick by the Houston Rockets. However, his jump shot and effort can be erratic at times. Additionally, Jones missed large chunks of three of his first four seasons and has the injury prone tag at this point in his career.

NBA fans know all about the record setting contracts offered last summer. Amid a cap spike, free agents all around the league cashed in. Terrence Jones was not one of these players. After injury plagued seasons in Houston, he accepted a one-year minimum offer from the Pelicans for this season and teamed up with former college teammate Anthony Davis. At a crossroads in his young career, Terrence Jones needed to step up this season.

Though the Pelicans have had an up and down season, Terrence Jones has been a positive contributor. He has been used to spell Anthony Davis in the second unit as well as starting alongside him at times. In times where Davis has missed games, he has really shined. Jones has averaged 26 points and 9.25 rebounds when he starts for the Pelicans. It’s in moments like that where his potential shows, and Jones will earn a larger contract next off-season.

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