Tre Jones making case for key second-unit role with Bulls

The Chicago Bulls defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers for the second time this preseason, following a one-point win in their first matchup with a seven-point victory in the rematch. While Ayo Dosunmu and Josh Giddey combined for 30 points to lead the scoring, it was Tre Jones who once again stole the show.

Through two preseason games, Jones has been one of Chicago’s most consistent performers. In the opener, he came off the bench to score 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting, adding two assists and four steals.

Jones nearly duplicated that performance in the second meeting, scoring 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting once again while collecting five rebounds, seven assists and four more steals. His energy and efficiency on both ends have quickly made him one of the Bulls’ most impactful reserves.

Jones joined the Bulls from the San Antonio Spurs last season as part of the Zach LaVine trade and performed well enough over 18 games to earn a contract extension. In that stretch, he averaged 11.5 points, 4.9 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Jones signed a three-year $24 million contract, great value for the Bulls having just traded backup point guard Lonzo Ball.

With Chicago’s guard rotation loaded — featuring Giddey, Dosunmu, Coby White, Kevin Huerter and Jevon Carter — earning minutes won’t be easy. But if Jones continues to defend at a high level, take care of the ball and distribute effectively, head coach Billy Donovan may rely on him to lead the second unit this season.