NBA Report: South Sudan’s triple-double star against Team USA might land NBA spot

There are still some NBA reports circulating despite a couple of trades made in the offseason. This time, one involves South Sudan's Carlik Jones, who showed out with a triple-double performance in an exhibition game against Team USA. Despite the 101-100 loss on Saturday, NBA insider Marc Stein reported on Sunday that there is a "brief window" for teams to pursue the 6-foot-1 guard.

Against LeBron James and USA Basketball, Jones put up 15 points (7-of-21 shooting), 11 rebounds and 11 assists in his 32 minutes. He was relentless in the halfcourt and showcased his impressive capabilities as a playmaker.

Aside from South Sudan's Marial Shayok leading the team in scoring with his 24 points, Jones was another tremendous contributor to the squad.

Before the NBA report concerning Carlik Jones' future, he traveled from one team to the next during his time in the league, playing in 12 games for three teams in two seasons (2021-23). He even experienced being placed in the NBA G League before he eventually landed with the Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade from the ABA League and EuroLeague.

According to Telesport, he is expected to sign a two-year deal with the team. His contract automatically kicks in on July 25.

There are still no reports circulating on which team is working on a possible acquisition. However, with how several teams worked on strengthening their rosters over the offseason, there are still a couple of clubs that can use someone like Carlik Jones.

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NBA Report: Could Carlik Jones rejoin his former team from the league?

Carlik Jones went undrafted in 2021 before landing a 10-day contract with the Dallas Mavericks. However, he didn't receive a new contract after his first one and went on to play for the Denver Nuggets on the same kind of deal.

Following the NBA report provided by insider Marc Stein, Athlon Sports' Dalton Trigg highlighted the possibility of a reunion with the South Sudan guard. He can add more guard depth to the team which can fill up the role whenever Luka Doncic is resting on the bench.

During his brief time in Dallas, Jones averaged 0.7 points, 1.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game. Meanwhile, his last tenure in the NBA was with the Chicago Bulls, where he played in seven games. In those outings, he put up 2.9 ppg (40.0% shooting, including 50.0% from beyond the arc).

After one year away from the league, Carlik Jones's recent showing in the showcase game against USA Basketball is a promising indicator of how far he's come as an athlete.

Not many players can go up against a team like Team USA and come out looking impressive. It was an all-around game that showcased his versatile skill set at the guard position, despite his height limitations.