Tyus Jones Bio
Tyus Robert Jones is an American professional basketball player for the Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The older brother of NBA player Tre Jones, he previously played for his hometown team, the Minnesota Timberwolves for four seasons, before signing with the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2019 offseason. After four seasons with the team, he was traded to the Washington Wizards, with whom he played for one season before signing with the Phoenix Suns in 2024. He played college basketball for the Duke Blue Devils in his freshman season as part of the 2014–15 National Championship team.
Early Life and Background
Tyus Robert Jones was born on May 10, 1996, in Burnsville, Minnesota, United States. He grew up in a basketball family, with both his parents, Rob and Debbie, having played the sport. His mother was a point guard who led Devils Lake High School to a state championship, while his father played for the University of Wisconsin–Parkside. Tyus has three brothers, including Tre Jones, who also plays in the NBA. His early exposure to basketball came from his family’s involvement in the sport, which laid the groundwork for his future career. Jones attended Apple Valley High School, where he quickly made a name for himself as a talented player. He was a varsity starter from an early age and earned numerous accolades throughout his high school career, including being named Minnesota Mr. Basketball in 2014.
Path to Basketball
Tyus Jones’s basketball journey began at Apple Valley High School, where he quickly established himself as one of the top players in the nation. He was ranked among the top 10 players in the national high school class of 2014 by Rivals.com, Scout.com, and ESPN. During his high school career, he won the Minnesota Associated Press Boys Basketball Player of the Year award three times and was a three-time Gatorade Player of the Year. His impressive performances earned him a spot in prestigious events like the McDonald’s All-American Game and the Jordan Brand Classic. After high school, Jones committed to play for the Duke Blue Devils alongside Jahlil Okafor, solidifying his status as a top recruit.
Tyus Jones Career
Early Career (2015–2019)
Tyus Jones was selected with the 24th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers but was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves shortly after. He made his NBA debut on November 10, 2015, and quickly became known for his playmaking ability. During his time with the Timberwolves, Jones set the NBA single-season assist-to-turnover ratio record at 6.96, showcasing his skills as a point guard. He was named the MVP of the 2016 NBA Summer League, further solidifying his reputation as a rising star in the league.
Breakthrough (2019–2023)
In July 2019, Jones signed a three-year deal with the Memphis Grizzlies, where he continued to excel. He repeated as the NBA assists-to-turnover ratio leader for the 2019–20 and 2020–21 seasons. On March 17, 2023, he achieved his first career triple-double with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in an overtime victory against the San Antonio Spurs. This performance highlighted his growth as a player and his ability to impact games significantly.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Tyus Jones has been recognized for his exceptional playmaking skills and leadership on the court. He has earned accolades such as the NCAA champion and NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player in 2015. His ability to maintain a high assist-to-turnover ratio has set him apart as one of the league’s top point guards.
Tyus Jones Award Nominations
Tyus Jones has received several nominations and accolades throughout his basketball career, including being named to the All-ACC third team and earning NCAA tournament Most Outstanding Player honors in 2015.
Tyus Jones Awards Won
Tyus Jones has achieved notable awards during his career, including the NCAA championship title in 2015 and the NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player award in the same year.
Tyus Jones Family
Tyus Jones comes from a basketball family. His parents are Rob and Debbie, and he has three brothers, including Tre, who plays for the Chicago Bulls. His family has a rich history in basketball, with both parents having played the sport at competitive levels.
Personal Life
Tyus Jones is engaged to Carrie Yeakey, and they welcomed their son, Tyus Jr., in 2020. Jones’s family background and personal experiences have shaped his character and work ethic, contributing to his success on and off the court.
