James Jones able to turn it around with Miami Heat

For the umpteenth time, Heat forward James Jones' fortunes have changed with the flick of a wrist.
This time, that still uncomfortable shooting motion for Jones has resulted in the ball going into the basket, a steady role going into the playoffs and his once-fading confidence going through the roof.

It all has been a long time coming for Jones, who spent the first 70 games coping with aftereffects of preseason wrist surgery, dealing with the pressures of being the team's biggest free agent acquisition and adjusting to the personal demands that come with playing in the NBA for his hometown team.

If Jones has learned anything this season, it's the virtues of practicing patience and showing perseverance.

''I've come a long way,'' said Jones, a sixth-year swingman and former University of Miami standout in his first season with the Heat. ``No one expected me to be here. As a rookie, no one expected me to get drafted. So I've been fighting all of my life.''

But few battles, if any, have been like this for Jones. His body -- the wrist of his shooting hand, in particular -- has been his fiercest opponent.
The wrist failed him last summer, when he sustained ligament damage during a workout weeks after Miami gave him a five-year deal that guarantees $8.3 million the first two seasons.

Surgery followed in October, as did three months of alternating progress and setbacks until he fought his way into the rotation last month.
Pain has been replaced by relative prosperity.

Jones, a wiry 6-8 sharpshooter, is coming off one of his best games as a member of the Heat, with 11 points, three rebounds, an assist, a steal and a block in Saturday's win over the Bucks.

Still affected by discomfort in his wrist, Jones has tried to make up for errant shooting with defense and effort.

MORE MINUTES
But that shooting touch the Heat valued so much when he was signed is starting to come around now that he has ditched the brace that restricted his flexibility. Jones made a season-high three shots from three-point range Saturday.

Even before that modest breakthrough, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said Jones justified a steady role with his performance in other areas.

''I think what everybody does is look at his three-point shooting -- and that's one of the things we brought him here for,'' Spoelstra said. ``But every time I watch the film, I see other things. It's all the things that don't show up in the box score. It's a deflection here, a block-out here, running the offense with energy, making the extra pass.''

Jones is averaging 3.4 points and 1.2 rebounds while shooting 35.4 percent from field and 29 percent from three-point range this season.
Those numbers are far from what the Heat expected from Jones, who was third in the league in three-point shooting (44.4 percent) last season with Portland.

But in 31 games, Jones has missed 44 of 62 shots from beyond the arc for Miami, which ranks 22nd among 30 teams in three-point shooting.

`BIGGER IMPACT'
Guard Dwyane Wade is confident Saturday's display signaled a strong finish for Jones that will continue Monday against Orlando.

''It's not easy for a guy like that to come in and be expected to make every shot he takes,'' Wade said. ``But as he gets more minutes and more comfortable, you'll see him make a bigger impact.''

A strong support system has made it easier for Jones to work through his injury and frustrations on the court. A Carol City native who now lives near Southwest Ranches, Jones said about 30 relatives and friends attend each home game.

''It's easier being home because I have people around me who understand me,'' he said. ``People encourage you.''

Heat forward Udonis Haslem, also a Miami native, said Jones has done a good job of handling the pressures of playing for his hometown team in a difficult season.

''It's definitely a double-edged sword,'' Haslem said. ``In the long run, you really find out who your real friends and family are.''

After coming off his best season last year and surviving the worst part of this season, Jones is finally finding middle ground down the stretch.

''The injury just humbled me and showed me how fast you can fall,'' Jones said. ``You get through it. You just have to get back up and go.''

(miamiherald.com)