NBA Draft Big Board 1.0: Cunningham, Mobley, Suggs, And The Best Of The Rest
By Evan Wheeler
13. Kai Jones, C, Texas
Measurables: 6-foot-11, 218 pounds, 7-foot-1 wingspan
Class: Sophomore
Age: 20
Mike’s Ranking: 13
Evan’s Ranking: 12
The next possible unicorn to enter the association, Kai Jones has two-way potential that will have most front offices drooling. His speed in the open floor as a near seven-footer is an absolute rarity, he glides on the hardwood, and with his shot-blocking plus the possibility of defending all five positions, Jones has the makeup of being a terrifying defensive tool at the NBA level.
Offensively is where Jones’ unicorn talent is showcased the most. The ball-handling, playmaking, and natural feel at his size just pop off of the screen, while the 38 percent clip he shot from beyond the arc this season for Texas suggests he can be a scoring threat from the perimeter.
His consistency with decision-making and polish as a post scorer need to improve and Jones has real boom-or-bust potential. However, his immense upside should make him a consideration for the lottery though. I see Jones comparing well to Cleveland Cavaliers center Larry Nance Jr.