Kai Jones

Updated on 7/31/21.  Written by Alan Lu.
2021 rankings were finalized on 7/29/21.

Height: 6-11
Weight: 221
College: Texas
Classification: Sophomore
Birthdate: 1/19/2001

2021 Top 100 Prospect Rank: 22
Projected Draft Range: Mid to Late 1st Round
2021 NBA Draft: Round 1, Pick 19 by the New York Knicks
(Rights traded to the Charlotte Hornets)

Pros:
Solid shooter, has stretch big potential
Decent low post scorer
Excels at scoring on off-ball motion plays
Adequate playmaker for his size
Decent defender
Decent shot blocker
Good athlete
Solid motor

Cons:
Struggles to consistently create his own shot
Can be careless on offense, which can lead to turnovers
Can be too passive on offense
Not an elite rebounder
Not an elite shot blocker
Can be undisciplined defensively, is foul prone

Summary:
Kai Jones is a very athletic big man that can score the basketball in a variety of ways.  He is a strong finisher around the basket, and he has range that extends all the way out to the three-point line.  He’ll need to continue to improve as a rebounder and defender in games. 

Still, he had a very good showing at the Maui Invitational, which put him firmly on the map as a draft prospect. His play has been inconsistently recently, but Jones’ athleticism and skill set could enable him to go in the mid to late first round range in the 2021 draft.

Links:
RealGM Profile
NBADraft.Net Profile
The NBA’s 2021 NBA Draft Combine Player Measurements

Games Scouted:
12/2/20 Texas vs. North Carolina
12/6/20 Texas vs. Villanova
2/2/21 Texas vs. Baylor
3/11/21 Texas vs. Texas Tech

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