Is Tre Jones’ recent success a fluke, or what fans should start to expect?

The San Antonio Spurs haven't been impressive this year due to a developing roster headlined by Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell. Aside from them, Tre Jones has also emerged as one of the best young players for the team.

San Antonio is currently on a five-game losing streak, which is unfortunate. Fans expected the team to win their one game back at the Alamodome against the Golden State Warriors last Friday. Still, there's only little to look forward to for a squad filled with developing players. Right now, fans can only watch things happen before their eyes and hope the team hits the jackpot for the upcoming draft. 

This season has been kind to Jones. He's improved as a primary ball handler and starting point guard for the team. He's played 43 games for San Antonio this season and is averaging 13.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 6.4 assists while shooting 45.1% from the field and 28.9% from the three. His efficiency from beyond the arc isn't spectacular, but it's an improvement from last season's 19.6%.

Jones' recent numbers have been outstanding for the team, despite not translating to significant wins. With his play this season, some think he could be a dark horse candidate to win the Most Improved Player award. 

Tre Jones' improved campaign isn't a fluke, but fans shouldn't expect much more

Coming into the season, no one expected the young point guard to lead the team into relevancy right out of the jump. After all, he only averaged six points a game last season and shot 49% from the field. However, once the Spurs gave him the starting point guard spot, he stepped up his game and made huge strides to make an impact. 

So far, he's been a productive player for the Spurs. Jones averaged 17.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.9 assists in his last ten games. The former Duke guard has solidified his place in the Spurs' roster. Watching him play, it looks like coach Gregg Popovich has entrusted him to run the offense. Pop also allows him to make mistakes on the court, which helps him work on his decision-making on the floor.

His numbers this season have been monumental, but it's only because of where the Spurs could head at the end. Jones' impact on the floor is because he's the only viable point guard capable of running the offense. Tre's experiences in the past two seasons have helped him become well-versed with Pop's system. Aside from him, there's no other point guard capable of controlling their system.

Fans shouldn't expect much more from the 6-foot-1 guard, however. He could be a great and reliable backup point guard for the Spurs. His familiarity with San Antonio's system makes him a valued asset in the league. Especially now that Pop's coaching tree is slowly expanding throughout the NBA. The way I see it, Jones could have a career that's similar to Patty Mills'.

Shooting better from beyond the arc could satisfy fan expectations

Jones can't be the next franchise point guard for the Spurs because of his inefficiency from beyond the arc. If he can improve on his shooting from deep, the future could look bright for the organization. It would be a luxury for the Spurs to have someone who's already knowledgeable about their system coming off the bench.

Fans are well aware of his struggles from long range. It's evident he's taking slow steps to improve that part of his game. Jones' future with the Spurs could also depend on who the front office would pick in this year's draft. If the organization gets a chance to draft Victor Wembanyama, Tre's responsibilities would increase, and he could be the starting point guard in the long run.