Jones a Raptor
Posted on July 23rd, 2006 by
Free agent guard Fred Jones will sign with the Toronto Raptors, his agent said Sunday.
Jones, a former slam-dunk champion, spent the first four years of his NBA career with the Indiana Pacers and played a key role while the team fought through injuries and suspensions the last two seasons. The 6-foot-2 leaper from Oregon averaged 9.6 points a game as a backup last season, and 10.6 points and 3.1 rebounds two seasons ago.
The Pacers made a qualifying offer to Jones earlier this summer. But Jones’ agent, Bill Duffy, told The Associated Press they rescinded the offer last week, making Jones an unrestricted free agent. Jones will sign with Toronto in the next few days.
The timing of the Pacers’ decision made things more difficult for Jones. Being an unrestricted free agent earlier would have given Jones more options, but the Pacers’ late decision limited Jones’ options.
I think Jones will definitely fit in well with the Raptors, other than being able to throw down some electrifying dunks, he’s also a pretty good rebounder and three point shooter.
