NBA lottery prospect Kai Jones has apparent pre-draft workout with Sacramento Kings
Apparently Arkansas guard Moses Moody wasn’t the only projected NBA lottery pick to participate in a pre-draft workout with the Kings on Friday.
Texas big man Kai Jones followed Moody to social media to show off a purple Kings practice jersey, posting a photo to his Instagram story along with the words: “Great work.”
Jones, 20, is a 6-foot-11 ½, 221-pound power forward/center from the Bahamas. He posted relatively modest averages of 8.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in 22.8 minutes per game as a sophomore at Texas, but he’s an intriguing prospect with a 7-1 ¾ wingspan and a lot of upside. He’s an above-the-rim finisher who runs the floor well and shot 38.2% from 3-point range on 2.1 attempts per game. He has the tools to be a versatile defender and big-time shot blocker.
Tankathon.com ranks Jones as the third-best center in the draft behind Scottie Barnes and Isaiah Jackson. The site currently projects Jones going to the Denver Nuggets at No. 26, but Jones has made a significant move up many draft boards.
NBADraftRoom.com currently projects the Kings will take Jones at No. 9. The site notes: “Kai is on the rise thanks to a very solid sophomore season and great combine measurements. It’s rare to find a 6-11 player with twitchy athleticism and a smooth 3pt shot. He’d be a perfect fit in the frontcourt for the Kings.”
A more detailed breakdown from NBA Draft Room goes on to say: “Extra long, bouncy and quick off his feet, Kai Jones has all the upside and all the tools to be a lottery pick, even though his college production doesn’t jump out at you. His activity around the rim is impressive and his open court ability at over 6-11 really stands out. He plays above the rim with ease and finishes most of his moves with a dunk.”
