The Los Angeles Clippers are just days away from beginning their 2024-25 season and have made some key roster changes. They are converting big man Kai Jones from an Exhibit 10 deal to a two-way contract, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania. Jones earned the last two-way spot thanks to his strong performance in the preseason, where he averaged 7.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks in five games while serving as the primary backup center during Mo Bamba’s injury.
Head coach Tyronn Lue had already identified Jones as the team’s backup center. His chances were bolstered by P.J. Tucker’s absence, as the team explores trade options for him. Originally the No. 19 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Jones hails from the Bahamas and played for the University of Texas from 2019 to 2021. He made significant strides during his college career, earning accolades like Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year and All-Big 12 honorable mention. In his final season, he averaged 8.8 points and 4.8 rebounds before entering the draft.
Jones was drafted by the New York Knicks but was traded to the Charlotte Hornets, where he struggled in his first two NBA seasons, averaging just 2.7 points and 2.7 rebounds over 67 games. With the Clippers entering the season short-handed, Jones is expected to have a larger role. They will be without their star forward, Kawhi Leonard, who is out indefinitely due to ongoing issues with inflammation in his right knee. Lue has stated that there is no specific timeline for Leonard’s return, emphasizing the need for patience as he progresses.
As the Clippers prepare to tip off their season against the Phoenix Suns on October 23, all eyes will be on whether they can provide Jones the opportunity he needs to prove himself in the league.
