The number 1 ranked nation won with a margin of just 1 point against the 33rd ranked nation, South Sudan. Although the limelight was on Team USA and LeBron James’ rescue act, there was a player from the African team that set a record. Carlik Jones became the first player to record a triple-double against the USA. With such a performance, many eyeballs shifted towards the 26-year-old, from the current players to retired players like Lamar Odom. However, the teams might not have a lot of time and let’s look at the reason why.

An Instagram account posted a collage with Lamar Odom’s tweet and clips from Jones’s display. The tweet read, “Bro was giving team USA problems all game lol, I’m still rooting for the avengers now but damn I gotta give credit where it’s due. Carlik Jones has to get a contract for the league after this game💯.” The Instagram page also reported that multiple teams have called the 2023 NBA G League MVP.

“Right after the game, he received calls from Phoenix, Chicago, Toronto, and Miami!” However, the teams have until Thursday to pursue Jones and agree on a deal. As per reports from NBA correspondent Mark Stein, “There is a brief window until Thursday for NBA teams to pursue South Sudan’s Carlik Jones before his new Partizan Belgrade deal takes full effect.”

Carlik Jones has already signed a two-year contract with the Serbian team Partizan. And if the NBA decides to sign Jones now, then he would have to pay €600,000 in compensation, as per Mozzart Sport.

Last year, Jones represented China’s Zhejiang Golden Bulls and played 37 games where he averaged 16.6 points, 4.9 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game. With Lamar Odom suggesting teams offer a contract, should the Cincinnati native be part of the NBA?

A look back at Carlik Jones’ journey

His unforgettable stat line vs Team USA was 15 points, 11 assists, and 11 rebounds. Before the 1-point loss, South Sudan had already beaten Great Britain by a margin of 3 points. In that game, Jones was closer to a double-double after scoring 13 points and 8 assists. But he is cognizant of the recognition.

“Once you get that bit of recognition, it lets you know that you’re doing something right,” Jones spoke to WCPO 9, three weeks ago. His previous NBA tenure consists of 3 teams in 3 years. After graduating from Louisville, he was undrafted by the teams but got the opportunity during the summer league. But that opportunity was cut short and later, he received a 10-day contract from the Mavericks in December 2021. Jones could only manage 3 games, where he played a mere 6.4 minutes on average.

Later, at the start of the new year, he was offered a similar 10-day contract by the Denver Nuggets. However, he was given fewer opportunities than before with just 2 minutes in 2 games. His last contract with the Chicago Bulls was a two-way contract which he signed in December 2022. During that period, he would play for 8 minutes on average for the 7 games.

Should Jones then get another chance in the league? After all, Lamar Odom is also an Olympian and has played with other star players and his assessment might prove valuable provided Jones is given an opportunity.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting pilot episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and SEC All-Freshman Team Selection, Silas Demary Jr.”