#4 Kai Jones – Forward/Center – Texas
There are a lot of question marks surrounding the future of Myles Turner in Indiana, which is why going after another frontcourt player, specifically another Texas Longhorn, could make sense for the Indiana Pacers.
Kai Jones is one of the highest rated big men in this year’s draft class and tanding just under 7-feet tall, he possesses all of the qualities to be a Myles Turner clone in the NBA. His 7’1.75” wingspan and his 9’2.5” standing reach makes Jones a very fascinating center prospect and his defensive abilities are what makes him one of the best centers this year.
In two seasons at Texas, Kai Jones averaged 6.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.0 blocks and shot 62.7% from the floor. With other big men in Jericho Sims and Greg Brown also on the roster over the years, Jones’ ceiling with the Longhorns was limited, but he has a chance to really make a difference immediately in the league.
Versatility is a big advantage for Kai Jones compared to other big men in this draft class because he really could play either the power-forward or center position in the NBA. He has great footwork in the low-post on offense and for a 7-footer, his ball-handling skills are definitely above-average.
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Former Longhorns Jaxson Hayes and Myles Turner are all solid comparisons for Kai Jones, but I do see shades of a Jaren Jackson Jr. type of mold as well. Athleticism and length pairs well for a modern day NBA big man and this is exactly why Kai Jones could actually be a difference-maker for a team like the Pacers.
Even if they keep Myles Turner, they need help in their second-unit in the frontcourt, which is where Jones would see a lot of action. His abilities to take pressure off of guys like Sabonis and Turner would be highly valued by Indiana and they could utilize him heavily in pick-and-roll sets given his abilities to play well-above the rim, as well as knock down occasional shots from the perimeter.
