Hornets news: Kai Jones risks backlash by roasting teammates online
By Adam Taylor
Somebody needs to tell Kai Jones to stay off of social media. The Charlotte Hornets third-year forward is making some bad judgment calls when it comes to his activity on Instagram. On Thursday, September 7, Jones raised fans’ concerns with an unintelligible rant on Instagram Live.
Less than a week later, the 22-year-old created another problem for himself as he roasted two of his teammates on the same social media platform. Jones was discussing Mark Williams and Nick Richards – two players who are expected to be ahead of him in the rotation this season.
Kai Jones has comments on his teammates Nick Richards and Mark Williams
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 13, 2023
(h/t @ClutchPoints ) pic.twitter.com/u63ypzuTpZ
The first comment Jones wrote was regarding Richards.
"“I’m more assertive with the ball than him I can read myself,” Jones wrote."
While the second comment was regarding Williams.
"“Show me a video of Mark pulling up going left and hitting it. Anywhere man in college some where show one.”"
Neither of these comments are particularly insulting. However, Jones didn’t need to throw his teammates under the bus like that. It’s one thing to have a competitive fire and self-belief; it’s another to publicly disparage the people you share a locker room with.
The Hornets will want to have a big season this year. After acquiring Brandon Miller in the draft and inking LaMelo Ball into a rookie max extension, there’s some genuine excitement within the fanbase. Jones’ recent actions could derail Charlotte’s season before it even gets underway.
Lockerroom chemistry is an important component of a well-functioning team. That unity is what allows a roster to fight through adversity and overcome the inevitable challenges that will occur during a season.
Jones needs somebody in his ear — the coaching staff, a veteran teammate, or the team’s star player. It doesn’t matter who. What matters is ensuring these slipups on social media are quickly handled and become a thing of the past.
Otherwise, Jones won’t make it to his fourth year with the franchise.
