Phoenix Suns depth chart projection after signing bargain bin Tyus Jones

Perhaps the most shocking news of the NBA offseason came on Saturday. The Phoenix Suns signed point guard Tyus Jones to a one-year, $3.3 million contract. That’s a veteran’s minimum for the top remaining free agent.

Jones’ decision was so bold and unexpected that he had to release a statement via ESPN to explain it.

According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, Jones turned down four times that amount from other teams, with the Memphis Grizzlies and Atlanta Hawks among the reported suitors. That’s a huge compliment to Mat Ishbia, Mike Budenholzer and the Suns’ management. It takes a huge pitch to snag a top free agent in his prime at a 75 percent discount.

Jones’ 7.35 assist-to-turnover ratio last season was the highest in recorded NBA history. He now owns the three highest single-season marks since the statistic was added to the official record in 1977-78.

This is a runaway success for the Suns. It’s hard to believe that Jones isn’t making more than the veteran minimum. Several teams should have been knocking on his door for a $20 million sign-and-trade. Unfortunately, Jones is going to an established contender, and it’s hard not to be impressed with how Phoenix handled its offseason in such a dire situation. Credit where credit is due, Ishbia is changing the culture around this Suns team.

Jones will likely play a significant role, or he wouldn’t have gone to the desert at a discount. Here’s what the Suns’ updated depth chart looks like.

The Suns’ perceived “need” for a point guard is well-documented. NBA fandom probably undervalues ​​Devin Booker and Bradley Beal as lead ball-handlers — the Suns certainly weren’t desperately short on playmaking — and yet Jones and Monte Morris are two of the most efficient, cost-effective table-setters in the league.

Jones simply doesn’t lose the ball. He operates with remarkable precision and does everything he can to galvanize teammates. While not a prolific scorer, Jones shoots 3s at a high level and beats rim protectors with featherweight floaters. Given the makeup of Phoenix’s roster, he won’t be asked to step outside of himself offensively. Jones can function strictly as connective tissue, greasing the wheels of the Suns’ offense and orchestrating Mike Budenholzer’s playbook.

There’s a non-zero chance Jones starts, though Grayson Allen’s size, defense and shooting (compared to Jones, at least) are likely more essential to the starting five. Unfortunately, starting games and finishing games are entirely different propositions. Jones’ ability to control the tempo and keep his cool should land him on the court often in crunch time.

In terms of raw value, there hasn’t been a better signing this offseason. Jones was truly spectacular in his own unique, unspectacular way last season for the Washington Wizards. It’s easy to overlook the Wizards, but Jones posted a career-high in assists and the best assist-to-turnover ratio of all time, surrounded by Jordan Poole and a bunch of unproven youngsters. That’s no easy feat.

Jones is the kind of needle-moving addition the Suns wouldn’t be able to make with such a limited financial outlook. What a huge, huge win for that front office.