Tre Jones’ role with the Bulls has changed multiple times this season. With his high IQ and heady cutting, he has been called on to start 20 games because of injuries to guards Coby White and Josh Giddey. Even in the games in which he doesn’t start — including the Bulls’ victory Monday night over the visiting Clippers — he often finishes.
But with Giddey close to returning from a strained left hamstring, Jones is likely back to a more regular reserve role.
He’s used to it and takes it seriously, going back to his first few seasons of fighting for minutes off the Spurs’ bench. Back then, he leaned into the advice of Hall of Famer Manu Ginobili, who retired in 2018 but was often around the Spurs’ practice facility.
“[I was] just listening to guys that have played before me who pointed out how you can still have the same impact, whether you’re starting or not,” Jones said. “When I was around Manu, he just helped me a lot. Hearing from someone like that . . . it’s a big role in the NBA to come off the bench and have an impact.”
Ginobili, a four-time NBA champion and two-time All-Star, is regarded as one of the best sixth men in NBA history, selfless in understanding what his team needed from him. Jones isn’t close to his level as a player, but he has been productive nonetheless in a similar role, averaging 12.3 points for the Bulls entering Tuesday. (He finished with 15 points, eight rebounds and six assists against the Clippers.)
Jones said his total minutes won’t change with Giddey returning. He’s just focused on supporting whomever is with him on the court.
“[Giddey’s return] helps us a lot,” he said. “I think he’s an All-Star, but he’s been playing at that level for us the entire year.”
White warming back up
White’s contract season hasn’t gone as planned. After missing the Bulls’ first 11 games after straining his right calf during an offseason workout in August, he strained the left one in December and missed two more games, then felt the right one tighten up again before the new year.
He has been on a restricted minutes since and hasn’t shot the ball as well as he has in previous seasons, but it’s getting better. Last Friday against the Nets, he scored 17 points on 46.7% shooting. In the rematch Sunday, he scored 24 points on 57.1% shooting, including 63.6% from three-point range.
On Tuesday, he led the Bulls with 27 points, matching his season high from his first game in November.
White is one of six Bulls on an expiring deal, making the next three weeks important as the trade deadline approaches and the Bulls (21-22) continue to hover in Play-In Tournament range in the standings.
Injury report
Forward Patrick Williams remains out with a sprained right ankle. Coach Billy Donovan said he isn’t too concerned it’ll be a long-term injury.
• Donovan said Giddey could play Thursday. The medical staff first wants to see how he feels. He hasn’t suffered any setbacks since he was hurt Dec. 29.
