Jenkins thankful for opportunity with Mavericks
All John Jenkins wants is a chance to show that he can be a solid contributor on the NBA level. And it looks like he’ll get an honest chance with the Dallas Mavericks.
Jenkins signed a one-year, $981,348 contract with the Mavs on July 24. After three uneventful seasons with the Atlanta Hawks — stacked around three stints in the National Basketball Development League — Jenkins believes he has finally landed in a spot he can call home.
“Just for me, getting game reps is very important,’’ Jenkins said after Wednesday’s 109-82 preseason loss to the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center. “I’m in a situation right now where I’m able to play, and play different positions, so I’m enjoying it right now.’’
A 6-4, 215-pound shooting guard, Jenkins scored a game-high-tying 19 points in Wednesday’s loss. He played 29 minutes and was 6-of-14 from the field and 3-of-9 from 3-point range.
More important, Jenkins didn’t commit any turnovers against the Rockets after he turned the ball over seven times during Tuesday’s home loss to the Denver Nuggets.
I really like Jenkins, and Jenkins has played a real aggressive game both of the last two nights. He showed he can handle the ball a little bit.
Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle on free agent signee John Jenkins
Coach Rick Carlisle, however, took the heat for the four turnovers Jenkins collected in the fourth quarter of Tuesday’s game.
“It’s a little unfair putting him there for the last nine minutes of the game at point [guard], which he’s never played,” Carlisle said. “That said, he did a very solid job handling the team.’’
One night later after the loss to Houston, Carlisle was backing the 24-year old Jenkins even more.
“I really like Jenkins, and Jenkins has played a real aggressive game both of the last two nights,’’ Carlisle said. “He showed he can handle the ball a little bit.
“So he’s done a good job and he’s got to continue doing what he’s doing.’’
The 23rd overall pick of the 2012 NBA Draft by the Hawks, Jenkins is thrilled to have a coach in his corner during a time when he’s trying to get his career back on track.
“Coach has been incredible,’’ Jenkins said. “He is a great motivator and he is really hands-on.
“As a player that is big time, especially for my confidence. And it has been great for me since I’ve been here.’’
Dwain Price: 817-390-7760, @dwainprice
Dwain Price can be heard every Wednesday from 3-5 p.m. on dfwiradio.com.
This story was originally published October 7, 2015 at 11:11 PM with the headline "Jenkins thankful for opportunity with Mavericks."