76ers News: Former first-round pick to work out with the team

A tough stretch run in the leadup to the 2024 NBA playoffs currently embroils the Philadelphia 76ers, which are facing a tall task of needing to improve their playoff standing without their best player and their core guys being in and out of th lineup due to nagging injuries.

Embiid’s absence has been particularly painful, especially with the 76ers stuttering on both ends since he missed significant time due to injury. In his stead, Paul Reed and Mo Bamba have been getting the minutes at center, but neither have provided consistent production to abate the huge void he left on offense and defense.

76ers News: Former first-round pick to work out with the team

Fortunately for Philadelphia, it seems like help could be on its way. According to Shams Charania, Kai Jones, the 19th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, will work out with the 76ers in the coming days to potentially help shore up the 76ers’ front court.

The 23-year-old big man was notably waived by the Charlotte Hornets before the season began. Embattled by off-court problems at that time, Jones himself requested a trade out of the franchise before he was cut from the team.

Since then, Jones repeatedly bared that he continued to stay in condition in anticipation of a return to the league. This time, he’s slated to get his first crack at it, and given the 76ers’ pressing need for reinforcements at his position, he could very well be worth the gamble.

Jones was tethered to bench duty for most of his first two years in Charlotte, but he flashed glimpses of potential as an agile center with great finishing ability. There’s also reason to believe that his once-promising perimeter game from college could translate with more time.

Let’s see if Jones manages to woo Philadelphia’s brass into signing him for the rest of the season in preparation for the postseason.