Mavs sending rookie Dominique Jones to D-League Legends

As the DNP’s continued to mount for Dominique Jones
before Monday’s garbage-time appearance, it became obvious that the
rookie needs to play and that there is only one place that’s going to
happen.
 
Jones is Frisco-bound. And he’s all right with that.
 
The Mavericks are sending their young shooting guard to the
NBA Development League for at least the first three games that the Texas
Legends play at their home court, Dr Pepper Arena. It makes sense. Jones
wasn’t getting any meaningful playing time with the Mavericks. He
hadn’t budged off the bench for seven consecutive games before Monday.
 
It’s a transfer Jones said before Monday’s game
that he would accept, although he admitted it wasn’t his preference.
 
“It’s not what I want to do,’’ Jones
said. “I want to stay here and learn from these guys. But I feel like
coach (Rick) Carlisle and Donnie, they know what’s best. I’ll make
the best out of it.’’
 
Jones knows he’s a rookie and there’s no
substitute for playing. And it should be noted that J.J. Barea also spent time
at the D-League level early in his career.
 
“Nobody said it was going to be easy,’’
said Jones, who has a great attitude about the situation. “I’m just
going to keep grinding and keep working my way up.’’
 
As president Donnie Nelson added: “You can do all the
drills you want, but if you don’t get to apply them in games, it
doesn’t do you as much good.’’
 
And Legends coach Nancy Lieberman “will kick his
ass,’’ Carlisle said.
 
At this point in his neophyte career, it’s the best
thing for Jones.
END TAKE