Still in his rookie contract, Kai Jones is supposed to be Charlotte’s third pivot in Steve Clifford’s hierarchy, behind Mark Williams and Nick Richards. But its place is in question…
Indeed, in recent weeks, the native of the Bahamas has multiplied strange statements and videos on social networks. He notably explained that he was better than Shaquille O’Neal or LeBron James, especially criticizing his teammates by explaining that they were limited compared to what he could do on the pitch.
“We are aware of the messages posted on social media and the situation has been handled internally”, dismissed Steve Clifford during the back-to-school press conference.
Another thorn in the side of the coach, while this offseason was essential for Kai Jones, who was sent to the Summer League for 7.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.2 interceptions and 1.2 blocks per game.
“I’m having the time of my life”he assured then. “I’m having so much fun. I love waking up and playing basketball every day. This is what I like to do. I just play and try to win. I’ve always done that. »
The problem is that he never joined his teammates during the optional summer sessions and given his comments on Mark Williams And Nick Richards published on social networks, it is not certain that bringing him back into the group is a good idea. Especially given his very low importance (3.4 points and 2.7 rebounds on average in 12 minutes of play, over 46 games) during the last campaign.
| Kai Jones | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2021-22 | CHA | 21 | 3 | 64.3 | 50.0 | 37.5 | 0.1 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 1.1 |
| 2022-23 | CHA | 46 | 12 | 55.8 | 21.1 | 73.1 | 0.8 | 1.9 | 2.7 | 0.3 | 1.4 | 0.4 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 3.4 |
| Total | 67 | 9 | 56.7 | 23.8 | 64.7 | 0.6 | 1.4 | 2.0 | 0.3 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 2.7 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
