PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers made a move in the buyout market, taking a flier on athletic big man Kai Jones. The former 2021 first-round pick of the Charlotte Hornets played two seasons in Charlotte averaging 2.7 points and 2 rebounds across 67 games.
Coach Nick Nurse said the plan for Jones is to keep him in the G League on this 10-day deal and then evaluate him. He is still a young player who would benefit from being around Joel Embiid, Mo Bamba and Paul Reed. Those three veterans can teach him the ropes.
Jones hails from the Bahamas just like Sixers sharpshooter Buddy Hield. The big man received a nice review from Hield.
“I saw him when he came in for his workout,” said Hield. “Kai, he was let go by the Hornets, but one thing about this league is you’re always getting another chance. I feel like coming here, he’ll get to see some of the veteran big men like Mo Bamba, Paul Reed, and if Joel comes back in time, he can see how they work.”
The biggest thing Jones can offer right now is his motor and his athleticism. The Sixers could absolutely use his ability to come up with big plays such as game-changing blocks, steals or highlight dunks. He wasn’t able to shine in Charlotte, but Philadephia offers another opportunity.
“He’s a guy that belongs in this league,” Hield added. “His athleticism is 99th-percentile athleticism. The way he plays, he’s just a freak of nature. I think he’s just got to keep staying humble and keep working.”
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