Warriors’ Damian Jones struggles with NBA learning curve

Last month, as center Damian Jones exceeded expectations in the Warriors’ starting lineup, head coach Steve Kerr knew that growing pains loomed.

After two seasons Jones, 23, was still learning all that the NBA demands. A few impressive performances against elite big men in October overshadowed the fact that he had yet to master such basics as boxing out or staying out of foul trouble.

Less than a fourth of the way through his first full-time NBA season, the 7-foot, 245-pound Jones is struggling to capitalize on his immense tools. With Stephen Curry and Draymond Green out with injuries, he has been inconsistent, forcing Kerr to tinker with his center rotation.

After starting the first 16 games of the season, Jones came off the bench in recent losses to Dallas and San Antonio. In Wednesday’s game against Oklahoma City, Kerr shuffled him back into the starting lineup to match up with the 7-foot, 265-pound Steven Adams, only for Jones to get bullied on both sides of the court.

In 21 minutes, he had four points, two turnovers, two fouls and — most glaringly — zero rebounds. Adams had his way inside, corralling seven offensive rebounds, feasting on put-backs and seldom leaving the restricted area to score 20 points.

“I just got to put myself in a better position,” Jones told reporters when asked about his issues on the glass. “I need to have that mentality to go out and get it.”

It was the latest evidence that Jones is still a project. Though he boasts a 7-foot-3¾-inch wingspan and a 36-inch vertical leap, Jones lacks court-awareness at times and is easily bated into whistles. In just 17.5 minutes per game this season, Jones is averaging 2.7 fouls.

Perhaps most concerning is that Jones is far from a natural rebounder. Instead of using his massive frame to out-muscle opponents on the glass, he too often fails to box out or anticipate the missed shot. Jones’ 6.4 rebounds per 36 minutes rank seventh on the team.

“Damian is a very young player, so he’s learning every single game,” Kerr said. “(Kevon) Looney is way ahead of him because he’s had more years in the league and more experience. He’s also naturally a better rebounder. He has a nose for the ball.

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