ORLANDO, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 25: Tre Jones #30 of the Chicago Bulls dribbles the ball up the court against the Orlando Magic during the third quarter at Kia Center on October 25, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
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The Chicago Bulls are – unexpectedly – undefeated on the young season, sporting a modest, yet impressive 3-0 record despite having one of the least dynamic starting line-ups in the NBA.
One player who has hit the ground running is point guard Tre Jones, who came over in the Zach LaVine trade in February, and was re-signed over the summer to a three-year deal worth $24 million.
Pesky defender
Jones, who is just 6’1, has been an outrageously strong defender this young season, constantly playing passing lanes, and simply swiping opponents when he’s had the chance.
The 25-year-old is averaging 3.3 steals per game, in just over 30 minutes of playing time. That number isn’t sustainable, but it does show his knack reading opposing offenses, and making the right decisions on those reads.
The Bulls are a whopping 10 points per 100 possessions better with Jones on the floor, which also speaks to other areas of his game.
His 13-point scoring average may not headline any stories about the Bulls, but his efficiency should.
Jones is currently converting on 52% of his shots, including over 57% from three-point territory. That last part will decline as the season goes on, but generally speaking, the point guard is taking good shots, and working well within head coach Billy Donovan’s schemes.
He’s also leading the Bulls with 8.3 assists per game, as he’s developed into one of their better ball-handlers and decision-makers.
Jones & Dosunmu are working well
Jones, along with Ayo Dosunmu, has formed one of the most effective – and surprising – two-way backcourts in the league when they’re on the floor together, weaving through defenders by being in constant motion, and applying themselves defensively.
Dosunmu, who is coming off the bench, is averaging a career-high 16.7 points per game, and is looking every bit like a full-time starter.
When he’s on the floor, the Bulls are 8.2 points per 100 possessions better, and it’s in large part due to how Dosunmu presents a legitimate threat, when he’s moving off the ball, taking defenders with him, thus opening up gaps in the defense.
With Josh Giddey struggling to start the year, but defensively and in the efficiency department, the Bulls have made good use of the Jones and Dosunmu backcourt, to the point where you have to wonder if that is actually their best constellation.
Regardless, Jones is in the middle of all of it, and that’s not a coincidence.
Unless noted otherwise, all stats via NBA.com, PBPStats, Cleaning the Glass or Basketball-Reference. All salary information via Spotrac. All odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.
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