John Jenkins: The Ring On Fire

 

Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

 

I fell into a burning ring of fire,
I went down, down, down and the flames went higher
And it burns, burns, burns,
The ring of fire, the ring of fire.

 

That is exactly how that Spalding basketball has felt throughout this preseason, especially when it comes from the hands of John “Johnny Cash” Jenkins, the Dallas Mavericks shooting guard. While many figured Jenkins to be one of those players competing for a final roster spot, that was never part of the plan.

 

“I knew if I played my game, I wouldn’t be in any discussion about making the team. My skill level is there and I work hard. That speaks for itself. I’m coming for minutes.”

 

John Jenkins was drafted 23rd by the Atlanta Hawks back in 2012. In three seasons, the 24-year old shooting guard has averaged just 13 minutes per game. While he had an impact during that time, he could never find more minutes on a very deep Hawks roster. During the Mavericks preseason campaign, however, he has been forced to play more minutes, and you wont find him complaining.

The Mavericks have been dealing with injuries to their starting roster. Chandler Parsons, Deron Williams, and Wesley Matthews have all been rehabbing and have failed to log a single minute this preseason, and Jenkins has reaped the rewards. All three of those players can play the guard position at times, so Jenkins has hit the ground running, right from the first minute.

 

“He’s stronger, quicker, more aggressive than I remember,” said Rick Carlisle. “He’s really stepped up his aggressiveness. When he steps into the gym, he’s a threat to score. I’ve loved his aggressiveness. The challenge is to maintain this.”

 

With the status of those starters up in the air, what looked like a questionable situation for Jenkins at one point has now turned into some very solid minutes on this Mavericks rotation. Deron Williams is questionable for the season opener. While their has been positive signs in regards the progress Wes Matthews has made, he figures to be out a couple of weeks as well.

 

Jenkins can flat out shoot the rock. The Mavericks knew that when they signed him. What has impressed Carlisle is his ability to handle the ball and attack the basket in the process. He has shown that he doesn’t have to be limited to being just a spot up shooter, but can shoot off the dribble and get to the rim.

 

Jenkins doesn’t lack confidence. He just wants the opportunity to show what he has to offer. There were glimpses back in Atlanta, but he could never get that consistency. So while it may be just preseason, Jenkins is out to prove that not only is a roster spot not in question, but more minutes are rapidly approaching, and Jenkins is all about proving his worth.

 

And it burns, burns, burns,
The ring of fire, the ring of fire,