Tyus Jones’ head was titled down, staring into a clipboard while leaning over inside a huddle with his Washington Wizards teammates. Buzz around the FedExForum was building as a video displayed on the jumbotron for a Grizzlies tribute to Jones.

Jones finally looked up near the end of the video, and then he stared at it while walking back onto the court. There wasn’t a need to look down. After four seasons with the Grizzlies, familiarity around FedExForum isn’t a problem for Jones.

The video ended and Jones briefly waved to the crowd as he was given a standing ovation.

“Amazing,” Jones said. “I didn’t really get to take in the whole video the way I wanted to, but I’ll get to go back and watch it here on the plane. It was amazing, the love the fans and everybody here showed me tonight. I’m just very thankful.”

Tuesday night was the first time Jones has played at FedExForum against the Grizzlies since being traded last offseason. The Grizzlies defeated the Wizards 109-97.

After the tribute video ended, Jones pointed at Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins before play restarted. Jones said that he and Jenkins still have “a close bond.”

Jones’ first season in Memphis was also the first year Jenkins took over.

“Everyone couldn't say a negative thing about (Jones),” Jenkins said before the game. “He was always a positive spirit. He always knew when to lean on a guy and when to be there to listen to a guy. He was the ultimate pro, an ultimate teammate. He's deep in my heart. It's sad to see him have to take the next step, but obviously, he's just made a huge impact on us, basketball wise and personally. It's going to be tough seeing him on the other side. We only see him twice a year right now. Definitely miss him.”

Only four of the nine Grizzlies who played Tuesday were teammates of Jones, even though he’s been gone less than a year. Most of the familiar faces were on the bench in street clothes.

Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Brandon Clarke were among the Memphis players who greeted Jones after the game.

Jones, 27, said he has kept in contact with his former Memphis teammates. Since he’s left, Jones has noticed the changes this season after the success the Grizzlies had as the No. 2 seed over the last two years.

“It’s unfortunate,” Jones said. “Injuries are an unfortunate part of the game and the worst part of this game. I think it’s just been one of those seasons for them over there. Just the injury bug getting them. You never want to see it. I wish them nothing but the best. I want them to get healthy, continue to take steps forward, continue to win and compete at a high level.”

Jones flashed a big smile on his face when reflecting on his journey to becoming a starting point guard in Washington. When he played for the Grizzlies, Jones would always say that he viewed himself as a starter. He became a comforting presence whenever Morant would miss a game.

The Grizzlies went 32-13 in Jones' last two seasons in Memphis when he started at point guard.

Now, Jones has the opportunity that he’s worked his entire career for, and he’s enjoying it. Playing in Memphis was a key part of the journey to becoming a starting point guard that Jones won’t forget.

“My four years I spent in Memphis, I really became a man,” Jones said. “I changed from a boy to a man. … On the court, it felt like I took tremendous strides. I have nothing but great things to say about Memphis. The Grizzlies, the city will forever hold a special place in my heart. It will always be special coming back here.”

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This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Former Grizzlies guard Tyus Jones reflects on tenure in Tuesday return