Detroit — On a hot summer night in Las Vegas, inside the Thomas and Mack Center, Detroit Pistons two-way prospect Isaac Jones received a pass from rookie guard Drake Allen. The pass compelled Jones to step outside of his comfort zone, as the 6-foot-8 big man had to decide how to attack his defender while standing outside the perimeter, as the Pistons fell 100-88 to the Phoenix Suns during the NBA Summer League Tournament on July 15.
Instead of passing to a more prominent ball-handler, Jones positioned his defender on his left hip and drove toward the baseline. Even with a second defender providing help, Jones was able to reach the basket without being stopped. Utilizing his skills and offensive abilities, he completed the play with a two-handed dunk.
His play might have looked like that of a versatile forward playing up to the modern NBA standard, but it highlighted how Jones’ on-court attributes have evolved this offseason.
“He is relentlessly tough,” Pistons Summer League coach Steve Scalzi said. “He can get to the rim. We can run pick-and-rolls for him. He is a really capable and diverse NBA player in my opinion.”
Jones emerged as one of the Pistons’ best players during the Summer League tournament, averaging 14.8 points on 44.2% shooting from the field. In addition, he added 7.6 rebounds, 1.0 blocks and 1.0 steals through five games. Each time Jones stepped onto the court in Las Vegas, he demonstrated how he became one of five players to receive All-NBA G League First Team honors as a member of the Motor City Cruise for the 2025-26 season.
However, Jones’ performance in the Summer League not only demonstrated his development but also the determination to become more than just a two-way player in the G League next season.
Question: It has been nearly two weeks since Summer League ended. What can you share about the experience and the self-evaluation of your performance?
Answer: “We didn’t play our best, but Summer League was a lot of fun, especially playing with that group of guys and making new connections. Personally, I didn’t play the way I wanted to, but I worked on things I haven’t done before while playing a new position. It was fun to experiment. I cannot wait to keep getting better while preparing for the season.”
Q: You mentioned that you were playing a new position and trying things on the court that you had never done before. Can you elaborate on that? What challenges come with getting accustomed to a new position, and how are you adjusting?
A: “Throughout my career, I have primarily played the five (center), focusing on inside play. However, when I came here to Detroit, I began to expand my skills. Now, they believe I am capable of transitioning to the four (power forward) position and playing more on the perimeter. I am still working on it and getting comfortable taking outside shots and using my athleticism to get downhill. Learning a new position has its challenges, but it has been a lot of fun.”
Q: When self-evaluating your Summer League performance, how has it influenced the second half of your offseason training?
A: “During the offseason, you can work on every aspect of your game with members of the coaching staff, but nothing compares to playing five-on-five basketball. Against live competition, I got the chance to figure out where I stand and see where I can get better. When we went back and watched the film, I saw what I needed to work on. I now have a better understanding of what I need to do. I was working on it today, staying in the gym and always being ready.”
Q: You’ve talked a lot about getting accustomed to a new position, but everything you’re doing this summer is preparing you for your first full season with the Pistons. How does this offseason compare to last summer, when you were at a different stage in your career with the Sacramento Kings?
A: “This offseason is different because I have to earn my spot again. I don’t want to be on a two-way forever, and I feel like this has lit a fire under me. Last summer, I was on a standard deal. I had a fire then, but now it has grown because I know I am an NBA player. I am blessed for my time in Sacramento, but having to leave midseason and come here was a blessing in disguise.”
Q: Since the season ended in May, the Pistons have held voluntary workouts at the practice facility. How have those sessions been, and what has it been like to have the chance to work out with your teammates throughout the offseason?
A: “That’s how you know we have a close-knit team that really cares and loves each other. That is what makes us special and why we had so much success last year. I was telling my family that this team reminds me of how it was in college because everyone is so tight. There are good vibes all the time. When it comes to the runs, we compete and have fun. It’s just been a blast.”
Q: You have had a busy offseason working on your game, but is there anything you can share about how you are enjoying your time away from the court and decompressing?
A: “Right after Summer League, I went home to Seattle to see family and friends. As someone from the West Coast, it can be tough to see family. So, I spent some time hanging out with them, whether it was at Topgolf or going swimming. That’s how I decompress. Making sure I have a good time with my loved ones.”
coty.davis@detroitnews.com
@cotydavis_24
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Isaac Jones determined to return to standard deal: Pistons offseason diary
Reporting by Coty M. Davis, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Coty M. Davis, The Detroit News | USA TODAY Network
