‣ The Philadelphia 76ers are planning to sign ex-Charlotte Hornets center Kai Jones to a 10-day contract, following his release from the Hornets due to a series of controversial social media posts and public criticism of teammates.
‣ Kai Jones had previously requested a trade from the Charlotte Hornets via a social media post, a move that is against NBA policies and can result in a fine.
‣ Despite his past controversies and limited playtime with the Hornets, Jones’s potential is recognized by the 76ers, especially given their need for players due to injuries, such as Joel Embiid’s knee issue.
The Philadelphia 76ers plan to sign F/C Kai Jones on a 10-day contract Friday, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Jones, the 19th pick in 2021 NBA Draft, returns to the league after being released by Charlotte in October. High-upside flier for 76ers in the 6-foot-11 athlete.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania)
Details
The Philadelphia 76ers have got their eyes on a new talent. They’re planning to bring Kai Jones, formerly of the Charlotte Hornets, on board with a 10-day contract this Friday. That’s the word on the street from ESPN’s NBA insider, Adrian Wojnarowski.
Jones had a bit of a rough patch last October. Before training camp kicked off, Charlotte decided to waive him. The reason? A series of pretty odd messages he posted on social media. Plus, he didn’t hold back when it came to criticizing his then-teammates, Nick Richards and Mark Williams, back in August.
Now, if you’re into NBA betting, here’s a tidbit. The 76ers are currently ranked 14th by multiple betting sites when it comes to their odds of winning the championship. Interestingly, teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat are getting a bit more love from the sportsbooks.
On Twitter, there’s buzz about Jones’s return to the league. Shams Charania tweeted that the 76ers are eyeing Jones for a 10-day stint starting Friday. Jones, who was the 19th pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, is making a comeback after being released by Charlotte in October. The 76ers see potential in this 6-foot-11 athlete.
Jones had some choice words about his abilities compared to Richards. He claimed he was more assertive with the ball and could “read” himself better. As for Williams, Jones challenged anyone to show him a clip of Mark making a left-handed shot in college. He was pretty skeptical.
Following his release, the Hornets issued a statement. They mentioned that Jones wouldn’t be joining the training camp due to personal reasons. They didn’t provide a timeline for his return and asked for privacy regarding the matter.
Interestingly, Jones could hit the court for the 76ers as soon as Saturday. And guess who they’re playing against? The Charlotte Hornets. Talk about a full-circle moment.
Before all this drama unfolded, Jones had publicly asked for a trade. It’s a big no-no in the NBA to make such requests publicly, including on social media. Players can get fined up to $150,000 for this kind of move.
In a bold move last October, Jones announced on X (formerly Twitter) that he wanted out of Charlotte. He even hashtagged it #GOATLIFE.
Jones, 22, was initially picked by the New York Knicks in the 2021 NBA Draft. He was then traded to the Hornets. His journey from the University of Texas at Austin to the NBA has been quite the ride.
Recently, Jones showed off his skills at the 2024 FIBA AmeriCup. Representing the Bahamas, he put up an impressive performance against Puerto Rico. His stats? 14 points, 6-8 FG, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Not too shabby.
Over the last two NBA seasons, Jones has played 67 games off the bench for Charlotte. He’s averaged 2.7 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 9.1 minutes per game. In the 2022-23 season, as a reserve in 46 games, he hit career highs with 3.4 points, 2.7 boards, and 12 minutes per game. Plus, his shooting was on point, with a 55.8% field goal percentage and a career-best 73.1% from the foul line.
Jones really shone in Charlotte’s win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 28, 2023. He racked up 12 points and 14 rebounds in just 22 minutes. Talk about making an impact.
This Saturday at 7 p.m. ET, the 76ers are hosting the Hornets. With Joel Embiid out indefinitely due to a knee issue, Jones might just get his chance to shine with Philly. Let’s see how this plays out.
