Kai Jones once claimed he could beat prime Shaquille O’Neal and LeBron James one-on-one, had a better midrange game than Michael Jordan, and was more skilled than LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. Bold statements, but Jones has yet to prove his words on the court. Now, after a tumultuous start to his career, he has one final shot to live up to his own hype.
Originally drafted in 2021 by the New York Knicks and immediately traded to the Charlotte Hornets, Jones struggled to make an impact. His performance during the 2022-23 season was underwhelming, averaging only 3.4 points and 2.7 rebounds per game. With limited playtime and inconsistent showings, Jones quickly found himself falling out of favor. His off-court behavior didn’t help either, as bizarre social media outbursts raised concerns about his mental health. By October 2023, the Hornets had seen enough and waived him.
However, fate offered Jones a lifeline. The Los Angeles Clippers extended him an Exhibit 10 contract in the offseason, and Jones seized the opportunity. He impressed during preseason with averages of 8.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game, earning a coveted two-way contract with the team. Though two-way contracts limit players to 50 games and don’t include playoff eligibility, it’s a second chance for Jones to rebuild his career.
His time with the Hornets wasn’t just marred by poor play; Jones also had public incidents, including a concerning Instagram Live session that led to speculation about substance use. But rather than let these incidents define him, Jones sought help. In an interview, he credited the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) for supporting his mental health journey, revealing that therapy has been instrumental in his personal growth.
On the court, Jones brings much-needed athleticism to the Clippers. Known for his explosive dunks and shot-blocking ability, he fills a void in the team’s defense. Standing 6-foot-11 with incredible leaping skills, Jones showed flashes of his potential, even dunking on Victor Wembanyama during the 2023 Summer League. Now, he’s eager to make the most of his fresh start with the Clippers, both physically and mentally.
With the Clippers, Jones is determined to shed the baggage of his rocky past and prove he belongs in the NBA. “It’s been very refreshing,” Jones said. “We had a pretty good preseason, so let’s continue to build from there.”
