2021 NBA Mock Draft 4.0: Pistons make right choice, movement in top-10

2021 NBA Mock Draft — 11. Kai Jones, Charlotte Hornets

This is on the higher end of Kai Jones’ range, and there’s a chance he falls as far as the 20s. That said, if any team should see the light at the end of the tunnel and bet on Jones’ upside, it’s Charlotte. The fit is too perfect, both for Jones’ own personal development, and Charlotte’s long-term trajectory as a budding contender.

Jones will, in all likelihood, be a mess in his first season. He needs to become more aware defensively and learn how to make use of all his tools. That said, Charlotte cannot expect to win a championship in 2022. Jones can play behind the likes of Cody Zeller and P.J. Washington, no problem. When he does hit his stride, however, Jones’ blend of athleticism and burgeoning skill would be a perfect frontcourt complement to LaMelo Ball’s free-wheeling style.

A lanky 7-footer, Jones can run the floor in long strides, and he has the widest catch radius of any lob-catching center in the first round. On defense, he is nimble enough to stick with guards on the perimeter. Jones, Washington, and Gordon Hayward would form a switchable defensive core with the capacity to throw different looks at different teams. Not to mention LaMelo, who is 6-foot-7. The Hornets should jump at the chance to pick Jones, who in my opinion, is a top-five prospect.

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