#2 Kai Jones – Forward/Center – Texas
Alperen Sengun is one of the better big men available near the top of the NBA Draft this year, but so is Kai Jones from Texas. The 6’11.5” big man was not one of the best players in the country at Texas this past year and in fact, he came off-the-bench in 85% of the games he played in with the Longhorns!
Jones found himself in a crowded frontcourt with Jericho Sims and Greg Brown, both of which are also in the 2021 NBA Draft, but Kai Jones seems to be the guy with the most upside and potential out of the three, making him a possible lottery pick in this year’s draft.
Playing well-above the rim is one of Kai Jones’ specialities and his ability to run in the open court is what makes him a dangerous big man. If you lob the ball up to the rim, Jones will likely be there to throw down a monstrous dunk and given his size, he has a chance to turn into a really strong shot-blocker as well.
Everything about this kid screams athleticism and he is able to use this gift to take advantage of smaller and less mobile big men. Kai Jones can score in the low-post easily given his above-average footwork, but he has also shown the ability to step outside the paint and score as well.
READ MORE: NBA Mock Draft 6.0: Is There A Late Shakeup In The Top Five?
He shot 20-58 (34.5%) from three-point range during his two seasons at Texas and has shown the ability to generate his own proution. Having big guys who can create for themselves is becoming more and more valuable in the NBA, which is why Kai Jones finds himself as a prospect on the rise.
Continuing to find ways to grow as a back-to-the-basket type of big man and getting strong will be the main focal points for Kai Jones at the next level, but he could be an excellent fit next to P.J. Washington in Charlotte. The Charlotte Hornets need a big body center who can stretch the floor, which is why Jones is an option for them with the 11th overall pick.
READ MORE: NBA Mock Draft 6.0: Is There A Late Shakeup In The Top Five?
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 Hornets.
