Rookie Dominique Jones' best chance to contribute for Mavericks is with defense

 Like every team in the NBA at this stage of the preseason, the Mavericks think their top rookie is a keeper who will be a solid contributor this season.

"I didn't pay $3 million to get him for my health," owner Mark Cuban said before Tuesday's exhibition opener, a 97-94 loss to Washington at American Airlines Center.

But the truth is that Dominique Jones' role during the season is yet to be determined. That's the way it is when you are the 25th overall draft pick and purchased from Memphis on draft night.

The Mavericks wanted Jones, for sure. But picks that late come with no assurances.

Unlike Washington's top draftee, No. 1 overall pick John Wall, who is expected to be the franchise beacon for years.

For Jones, the beginning of his pro career was a mixed bag. He got loose for a breakaway dunk, but got crossed up defensively a time or two against Gilbert Arenas and Wall.
 "He's the kind of player we haven't had," coach Rick Carlisle said. "He's a bigger, stronger guard who can get to the basket and spent a lot of time at the free throw line in college.

"He's just got to be combative. It's the beginning of a long road for him, for his career and for his first year. The ups and downs of a rookie season are unavoidable. [But] defensively he's got a chance to really help us. I've told him that's his avenue to get on the floor."