Perry Jones III was the Oklahoma City Thunder’s first-round selection in the 2012 NBA Draft, going No. 28 overall. The 6-foot-11 forward would go on to play in Oklahoma City for three seasons, averaging 11.7 minutes per game throughout his 143 games played.
In his first season as a member of the Thunder organization, Jones played for the team’s then-D League squad, the Tulsa 66ers (now the Oklahoma City Blue). Once he was traded by the Thunder to the Boston Celtics, then later waived, Jones returned to D League with the Iowa Energy for 2015-16 and 2016-17. Jones would remain with the team in 2017-18 when it was purchased by the Minnesota Timberwolves and became the Iowa Wolves, which is also when the D League became the G League
Since then, he’s been out of the NBA. Though he’s not done with basketball.
Jones now plays in the BIG3 for the Enemies as Gilbert Arenas’ co-captain. In the course of the league’s tour across America, Jones was able to have somewhat of a homecoming on Sunday, as the Enemies matched up against the Jason Terry-led Trilogy in Oklahoma City.
Upon his return, Jones reflected on his days with the Thunder with The Oklahoman’s Erik Horne. While discussing everything he went through during his time in the NBA, Jones expressed he felt things would have gone a little differently had he started his career somewhere other than Oklahoma City.
No disrespect to the Thunder, but I went to a team that didn’t have a need for nobody like that. They had three superstars. They had everything set in stone that they needed.
He continued:
It’s just how the business goes. I think if I went somewhere else and had the opportunity to play in actual games, I think my career would have turned out differently for sure.
Despite what happened in his early NBA days, Jones, 27, told Horne he wouldn’t be against a return to Oklahoma City as he works toward a comeback. He’s hopeful for a camp invite. Though if that doesn’t pan out Jones may take his talents overseas.
