With Miller gone, Heat's James Jones letting it fly

KANSAS CITY, Mo.— James Jones wonders about the fuss. Given the opportunity, this is what he does.

A replacement starter for sidelined Dwyane Wade in the Miami Heat's exhibition opener, and with additional opportunities amid the limited minutes for the starters in Thursday's victory over the Detroit Pistons, Jones went into Friday's exhibition against the Charlotte Bobcats at the Sprint Center at 6 of 10 on 3-pointers in the preseason.

"It's just from work with the shooters in the offseason," the veteran swingman said. "Me and Ray [Allen], we get a lot of shots up. The routine, it pays off. And the consistency helps, especially when you get consistent minutes."

Jones went into Friday's exhibition tied for second in scoring with the Heat this preseason, behind only Chris Bosh.

"He's another guy who had a terrific summer," coach Erik Spoelstra said. "He's really been disciplined with his nutrition and his training this summer, so he kept himself ready. He's a pro's pro. Whenever his number's called, he produces.

"It's not easy, particularly for shooters, who not only rely on their skill. You also have to rely on rhythm and confidence. J.J. is always able to come in with that confidence, and I think that's a remarkable talent that he has."

With more of an opportunity to play alongside Wade, Bosh and LeBron James, Jones has stated his case for regular-season playing time.

"You have to give up something," Jones said. "When teams are trying to take our guys away, take C.B. when he's attacking, LeBron, D-Wade, they're going to leave our shooters open and it's up to us to make those shots."

There could be the opportunity for at least a slight uptick in playing time this season with Mike Miller now with the Memphis Grizzlies.

Jones, however, said there is no reason to attempt to play beyond his skill set in a bid to bid for regular-season playing time.

"I'm a player. I do what Coach asks me to do, depending on what our personnel has," Jones said. "I mean, it's not like I can't do these things. But why replicate it when you have three of the game's best players? So we all understand our roles. We all understand what Coach wants. And he wants me to continue to shoot it."

Spoelstra said it is important his players move beyond the notion of stepping into Miller's role.

"We're not necessarily trying to fill gaps that are missing from last year," he said. "We're trying to evolve and take steps forward. J.J.'s game is different than players that we've had before. We know what skill set he brings offensively. He spreads the court as well as anybody in this league. He knows what his game is. He doesn’t play outside of his box. Defensively, he's always been one of our better off-the-ball system defenders, what Shane [Battier] has done, J.J.'s done for years.

"He just needs to continue to make his point. But it's not about necessarily earning a rotation spot right now. It's just about sharpening your skills, improving, evolving our game, and being ready whenever you number is called."

So Jones is staying ready by maximizing his increased preseason exposure.

"It's not hard," he said, "when you got teammates that get you open and get you the ball in good spots."


(sun-sentinel.com)