Charlotte Hornets NBA Draft: First round grades

Kai Jones – Texas – 19th overall pick

Shortly after Charlotte selected Bouknight with the 11th overall pick, it was reported that Charlotte had received the rights to the New York Knicks 19th overall selection which would end up being Texas big man Jones. Jones was linked heavily to the Hornets during the pre-draft process as center was a massive hole on the roster and he could be the lob threat at the position that would fit so well alongside Ball.

Moving back into the first round was a bold move but since the protections are so heavy on the future first-round pick they gave up it shouldn’t be too big of a deal. It’s clear they were very interested in Jones but either they didn’t like the value at 11 or the opportunity to take Bouknight was just too great to pass on. Either way, it’s hard not to be satisfied with the way the first round played out.

The only reason this grade isn’t higher for me is that when Charlotte traded back in there were other high-upside players that I had lottery grades on who I had ranked higher than Jones. However, I understand the interest in Jones and the reasons behind taking him.

Jones is an elite-level athlete who runs the floor very well with purpose and is already a lethal lob threat when paired with Ball. Jones needs to work on his fundamentals and positioning down low if he’s to be a true rim protector as he struggled with this at the college level.

Even though there were other players I would have preferred, Jones is an upside pick that fits a glaring hole on Charlotte’s roster that everyone knows exist. It’s exciting to think about what this young core has the potential to grow into and you can’t hate on that. I expect this Hornets team to be very fun this season when these guys get rolling.