Damian Jones’ return to the NBA will be short lived.
The rookie center, who was inactive for the Warriors’ 105-100 win Monday night over Atlanta, is expected to return soon to the team’s NBA Development League affiliate in Santa Cruz. The hope is that extra time at the lower level will help him get conditioned and comfortable after his extended rehab from pectoral surgery.
In two games with Santa Cruz this past weekend, Jones averaged 3 points, 4 rebounds, 2.5 blocks and 1.5 assists. That he didn’t dominate D-League competition was understandable given that Jones hadn’t played competitively since his Vanderbilt team lost in the NCAA Tournament’s “First Four” on March 15.