Charlotte Hornets NBA Draft Profile: Kai Jones

Although the Charlotte Hornets spent two second-round picks in the 2020 NBA Draft on centers (Vernon Carey Jr. and Nick Richards), and trade speculation suggesting the Hornets’ interest in acquiring a veteran center prior to the March 25 NBA trade deadline, should Charlotte standpat, the team should look to next year’s draft to add an impact player to solve their issues in the middle. Texas center Kai Jones could be the impact player at the five positions the Hornets have desperately need the past few seasons.

The Hornets have not had a solid presence in the middle since Al Jefferson left following the 2015-16 season to sign with the Indiana Pacers in free agency. Since then, the Hornets have been plagued with rebounding issues on both ends of the floor, defending the paint, and rim protection. These issues have gotten worse each season. This season, the Hornets’ defensive deficiencies down low have caused them to pack the paint on defense, often allowing opposing teams to obliterate them from three; opposing teams have often tied or broke their single-game three-point field goals made record against Charlotte.

Jones has all the tools to develop into an impact player for an NBA team at the center position. He has good height at 6-10 but will need to hit the weights to add to this 220 lbs. frame. He is explosive for his size; Jones has a high motor with a quick first step and gets great height on his jumps. He runs well on the floor and finishes with authority at the rim.

Jones will interest the Hornets with his potential to guard all five positions. He is extremely athletic, can defend the paint as well as stretch to the perimeter. His ability to jump and his great length allows him to soar over opponents to grab rebounds and block above the rim.

This season, Jones has shot 39% from beyond the arc, which is a 10% improvement from last season. He shot the ball at 63% in the middle and has begun to shoot the ball increasingly better in the mid-range. Jones’ net rating improved this season to 24.1 from 8.9 last season.

Jones is an athletic freak with superstar potential; he is certainly a prospect to watch as the Hornets prepare to add talent through the draft this offseason.