OKC Thunder NBA draft profile: Kai Jones – raw talent with high upside

Pro Comparison:

Analysts offer up Christian Wood, JaVale McGee, Jaxson Hayes, and Jaren Jackson Jr. as comparable talents for Jones to emulate.

With his track and field background, it meant Jones got a late start in the sport (15 years old) which explains some of the raw aspects witnessed in his play. That means he could trail some of his peers as he’s not just developing his skills but also his mind in terms of processing the game. Things his counterparts grew up doing and have an ingrained organic response.

A player not noted above but who offers at least some similarities to is Pascal Siakam who also began playing the sport late. If Jones commits like Siakam in his work ethic particularly in the offseason his drafting team could reap the rewards as he takes a substantial jump one season over the next.

OKC Thunder fit:

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Although he’s not listed as a projected pick on mock drafts Kai Jones would be a player Sam Presti could consider as a high-risk, high-reward selection. His athleticism and explosiveness are obvious at first glance but it’s the raw skills that the Thunder should consider.

There is ample work to be done both in terms of developing his fundamental skills and how he processes the game. On the other hand, since he’s only been playing five years there has been less time to develop bad habits. That means the Thunder could develop him with a laser focus to fitting him into their style and scheme.

Jones has a high motor, improved his shooting in a single season, has good defensive instincts, and shows the ability to create his own shot with natural ballhandling skills. All of those elements need to be developed but he fits the positionless scheme of OKC and has the potential to be a star if the Thunder are willing to invest the time with him.

Mock drafts project him to be selected in a range of 9th through 24th which means he could be available for OKC when they make their picks at 16th and 18th. While there are certainly more seasoned picks the Thunder can make Jones deserves a long hard look.