Better free-agent fit for Warriors: Connaughton or Jones Jr.?

• Editor's Note: Each Thursday through Oct. 29, we take a comparative snapshot look at two free-agent wings that are financially realistic candidates and presumably are on the big board in the office of Warriors president/general manager Bob Myers.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr has made clear that one of several offseason priorities is to become more athletic. Ideally, that influx of athleticism will come in the form of wings.

Which is why this week we consider the two most athletic -- and likely available -- wings on the market. There’s Pat Connaughton, who spent last season with the Milwaukee Bucks. And there’s Derrick Jones Jr., who spent last season with the Miami Heat.

The Warriors are not in position to offer more than veteran-minimum contracts unless they like someone enough to offer their taxpayer midlevel exception of roughly $5.9 million. 

We’ll compare five categories: Shooting, defense, athleticism, baggage and measurables. You choose. You debate.

SHOOTING

Connaughton: Played 67 games (four starts) last season. Exhibited a streaky 3-ball, draining at least two 17 times, including a season-high four (twice), but also had a couple 0-of-5 games. Shot 33.1 percent from deep, but bumped up to 37.9 percent (11-of-29) in the Orlando bubble. Deep accuracy generally improved with consistent minutes. A willing slasher and gets to the rim (62.8 percent inside the arc over the last two seasons). Career percentages: 44.3 (FG), 34.4 (3PT) and 79.0 (FT).

Jones: Played 59 games (four starts) and, again, was not much of a 3-point threat, making only 28.0 percent beyond the arc. Made multiple triples 10 times, with a season-high of three (three times). Put simply, teams let him fire until he hits a couple. He specializes in slashing into the paint and throwing down dunks; shot 67.7 percent inside the arc. Career percentages: 51.1 (FG), 28.2 (3PT) and 69.0 (FT).

Edge: Connaughton.

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DEFENSE

Connaughton: Above average, able to keep up with most wings and has a knack for blocking shots even beyond the arc. Defensive ratings over his five-year career are solid, generally good enough to avoid being isolated. Season-high for blocks was two, but he did it six times. Season-high for steals was two, on four occasions.

Jones: Borderline elite, he takes pride in it. Has some Andre Iguodala qualities, able to guard at least three positions and in some instances four. Good on the ball, in passing lanes or zone. Defensive ratings over his first four seasons are consistently above league average. Season-high for blocks was three, with nine multiple-block games. Season-high for steals was four (twice), with 16 multiple-steal games.

Edge: Jones.

ATHLETICISM

Connaughton: Nine on a 1-to-10 scale. Posted a 44-inch vertical at the 2015 Combine. Participated in the 2020 Slam Dunk contest and scored a 50 on one dunk. He could have been a terrific decathlete.

Jones: Ten on a 1-to-10 scale. Fabulous in transition, with vertical measuring the mid-40s. Nickname is “Airplane.” Won the 2020 Slam Dunk contest with a controversial decision over Orlando’s Aaron Gordon.

Edge: Jones.

BAGGAGE

Connaughton: Popular among teammates in Portland and Milwaukee. Solid work ethic; often joined Giannis Antetokounmpo for midnight workouts. Team player. No red flags.

Jones: His work ethic is, as described by demanding Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, “tremendous.” If it’s good enough for the Heat, it’s good enough anywhere. Team player. No red flags.

Edge: Even.

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MEASURABLES

Connaughton: 27 years old, 6-foot-5, 210 pounds, 6-9 wingspan. Made $1.72 million in final season of a two-year contract.

Jones: 23 years old, 6-foot-6, 210 pounds, 7-0 wingspan. Made $1.65 million in final season of a two-year contract.

Edge: Even.

OVERALL EDGE: Jones. The Warriors have a more urgent need for defense than shooting, which makes him a slightly better fit.