Miami Heat's James Jones perseveres during 'trying season'

Heat guard James Jones' homecoming hasn't gone according to plan.

A major wrist injury cut short his first season with the team.

Jones' second season has been a microcosm of the Heat's inconsistent performances, who starred at the University of Miami and American High School, earning limited playing time.

But Jones is hoping to turn in another late-season surge like the one that earned him a starting spot in the playoffs last year, and help the Heat get back in the postseason.

``It's been a trying season,'' said Jones, who is averaging 3.9 points and has played in only 33 games this year. ``I thought last year after being injured, I worked really hard to get into shape to be able to come in and help this team.''

During the past five games, Jones has played more minutes and entered games at key times. Against Philadelphia this past Sunday, Jones had a season-high 14 points and hit 3 of 6 shots from three-point range.

Jones, who has played with point guards Steve Nash, Jamaal Tinsley, and Steve Blake, showed good on-court chemistry with the Heat point guard Carlos Arroyo.

``What I respect the most about James is that he keeps himself ready no matter what,'' Arroyo said. ``He's been around long enough to know that anything can change around here. It's not easy because you want to be out there, and it can be frustrating. They pay us to be professional and he's done that.''

Jones was considered a front-runner to be the starting small forward at the start of the season. But Quentin Richardson was the surprise choice for the job. Jones started five games when Richardson hurt his back in November, but was benched upon Richardson's return.

`PICKING IT UP'
Jones has since split time as a backup, mostly with Dorell Wright and Daequan Cook.

``James is playing well, and [Wright] was before he was suspended,'' Spoelstra said. ``It's not a coincidence that our veteran players are picking it up now. They sense this opportunity right now for this team. There's been progress the last two weeks.''

Jones' value to the team extends beyond his sharp shooting. A finance major at UM, Jones is considered one of the smartest players on the team and often gets into intellectual discussions with his teammates.

``Guys think I know everything, but I don't,'' Jones said. ``Most teams you have guys that just talk basketball. Here we talk about different aspects of life, and it makes it easier for us to communicate and cope with things on and off the court.''

Although times have been tough, Jones, 29, has kept his spirits up thanks to a new addition to his family. Jones' wife, Destiny, gave birth to their third child, Jodie Marissa, seven months ago.

``She's what's kept my mind off basketball and given me perspective through this year,'' Jones said. ``They keep my life in balance.''
Along with their son, J.D., and daughter Jadynn Alyssa, Jones and his wife were also able to have their house in Southwest Ranches renovated.

Jones' foundation (The James Jones Legacy Foundation), which he established this past summer to help families in the Opa-locka and Miami Gardens communities who have suffered from foreclosures and abandonment, is also thriving.

`I KNOW I BELONG'
Now all that's left for Jones is to get his game on the same footing.

``I know I belong,'' Jones said. ``It's just whether or not the situation dictates if I can play. I just have to make sure I don't get too emotional about it because the slightest turn of events could have me go from wearing a suit, to playing significant minutes on a consistent basis.''


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(miamiherald.com)
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