SAN ANTONIO — Bulls guard Tre Jones spent nearly five seasons with the Spurs and learned the history of the organization.
He has spent the last season-plus with the Bulls and during that time has become a fan of the Bears and quarterback Caleb Williams.
Those two worlds collided Monday, when Jones found himself trying to strike a balance in the battle between Williams and Pro Basketball Hall of Famer — and Spurs legend — George Gervin for the ‘‘Iceman’’ nickname.
Williams tried to hijack the nickname and claim the legal copyright, which didn’t sit well in many circles, including with Gervin.
Jones has two horses in the race, so he was guarded about how he approached the entire saga.
‘‘Yeah, the ‘Iceman,’ ’’ Jones said when Gervin’s name was mentioned. ‘‘George Gervin was a pioneer for basketball. Obviously, not only for [the Spurs] but the entire NBA, as well. He pushed the envelope in so many ways.
‘‘I think that as long as the ‘Iceman’ nickname isn’t disrespected and it’s kept as a sign of respect to George Gervin . . . you know, it’s a new era, a new generation. Names can keep flying around like that.’’
Williams has been courtside for several Bulls games since being drafted by the Bears in 2024, and that hasn’t gone unnoticed by the players. That’s why as much as Jones respects the tradition and history of Gervin and the Spurs, he offered support in what Williams is trying to do.
‘‘I like Caleb a lot,’’ Jones said. ‘‘He had a great year [last] year, and the ‘Iceman’ nickname was really cool. I support that, as well. But as long as there’s the respect that George Gervin deserves with it.’’
More on Jones
Gervin wasn’t the only topic Jones had to address before the game.
Like his older brother, Tyus, Jones played at Duke, still bleeds blue and was horrified to watch his alma mater become the first No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament to lose after leading by at least 15 points at the half.
‘‘That was a tough one for sure,’’ Jones said of the game Sunday. ‘‘Last year was tough, missing free throws and the turnover at the end of the game. But this year, up 19 . . . I was back at the hotel with my family, and it was definitely tough.
‘‘I always back them. I think this is setting them up for something down the line, for sure. [Coach Jon] Scheyer has been to three straight Elite Eights now. Final Four last year. Moments away from a Final Four this year. So I think whatever is happening is just preparing them for the future, for sure.’’
Fixer-upper
Bulls coach Billy Donovan has seen a lot of positives from forward Leonard Miller.
The high-energy Miller joined the Bulls from the Timberwolves in the Ayo Dosunmu trade and has worked his way into the rotation and even some starts.
Donovan, however, wants to see him take the next step in his game.
‘‘It’s just, like, the detail of who’s he guarding? What coverage is he in? Who is in the action with him? When is he switching?’’ Donovan said. ‘‘Those are things that are happening fast where he can get caught there several times. We’ve got to help him get better.’’
