NBA Mock Draft: Orlando Magic make two surprise selections
By Jason Hirsch
11. Charlotte Hornets – Kai Jones, F/C, University of Texas
I have a lot of belief in Vernon Carey’s potential, but the Hornets should still add another big man with both Cody Zeller and Bismack Biyombo being unrestricted free agents.
Kai Jones did not start playing organized basketball until he was 15-years-old and it shows — he is incredibly raw as a prospect.
https://twitter.com/swishcultures_/status/1407374089254178826
There is a lot to be encouraged about with Jones’ game. Seventy-four percent shooting (61-for-82) around the paint, 38 percent shooting (13-for-34) from 3-point range, decent free-throw shooting at 69 percent (51-for-74), and the mobility to switch as a defender are all building blocks that will encourage teams about his long-term upside and potential.
On the other hand, Jones is not very consistent from a game-to-game basis and sometimes is susceptible to having stone hands when catching the basketball. The footwork is also a definite work in progress that can lead to a plethora of turnovers.
Jones has a lot of work to do to reach his potential as a basketball player.
The Hornets can help him focus on excelling at his good traits while minimizing his bad ones.