OAKLAND – Rookie center Damian Jones is creeping closer to playing NBA minutes.
After sitting out the first five weeks while recovering from pectoral surgery, Jones was recalled by the Warriors on Saturday after a one-game stay with the Santa Cruz Warriors of the Development League.
That one game, however, was Jones’ best so far in the D-League. He responded to his longest playing stretch – 34 minutes in a 113-89 win over Northern Arizona on Friday – with his most impressive stat line: 17 points, nine rebounds and two blocks.
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“I was a little winded,” Jones said Saturday morning, after shootaround at the team facility. “But I think if I just keep doing that, keep playing down there more and more, I’ll get my wind back.”
Jones made his NBA debut on Dec. 10 in Memphis, going scoreless over nine minutes in a 110-89 loss to the Grizzlies.