Kai Jones played for two years at the University of Texas and has now positioned himself to become a first-round pick. Although he played off the bench, Jones succeeded in showing off his athleticism and versatility. Let’s take a look at his skillset.
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Player Bio
Name: Kai Jones
Position: Forward
School: Texas
Age: 20
Height: 6’11”
Weight: 218 lbs
Prototype: Athletic Strech Four
Defense (23/30)
Jones is a solid defender, but he lacks the IQ to become an elite one. He often relies on his athleticism to make plays on defense instead of good positioning. Jones is often in a bad position on defense which allows defenders to score, but when he is positioned correctly he has the tools to be an above-average defender.
Finishing (9/10)
Jones is a good finisher. He is great at attacking the rim off the dribble and with space can be a challenge to guard. With open space, Jones can leap high and be unstoppable at the basket.
Perimeter Shooting (8.5/10)
Jones is a solid shooter which adds tremendous versatility to his offensive game. He knocked down the three at a 38.2 percent clip in his sophomore season. His shooting ability improves spacing on offense and allows him to cut and find open space easier.
Ball Handling (6.75/10)
Jones does not have an elite handle, but he has a solid one for a forward. He can put the ball on the floor and drive from beyond the arc if needed without the worry of losing control.
Passing (2/10)
Jones is not a creator for others. He does not average many assists but also does not turn the ball over very often either.
Rebounding (8/10)
Jones is a decent rebounder. He uses his height well to pick up rebounds and 50/50 boards. He is a great offensive rebounder picking up two per game in his sophomore season at Texas.
Athleticism (9.5/10)
Jones is very athletic and often relies on his athleticism for success. He uses it well on both ends of the floor, and without it, it is unlikely that he would be viewed as a potential first-round selection this year.
Injury (7/10)
Jones suffered some injury troubles throughout college but was still able to play in 25 plus games each season at Texas.
Bonus: Potential (+4.25/5)
Jones has tons of potential. He is a versatile scorer on offense and has lots of athleticism. If he gains a better understanding of positioning, he has the upside to be a high-level forward.
Player Summary
Jones is an athletic and versatile forward. He can play the four or the five and succeed in either. Jones has the athleticism to become a high-level forward if he can improve his positioning on defense and knock down the three consistently. He will be a player to watch in the first round of the NBA Draft for teams needing a big man.
Final Grade (78/100): 15-25th Pick
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