Former Hornets First-Round Pick Meeting With Contender In Hopes of NBA Return

Kai Jones to work out with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Kai Jones may be honing in on a new home.

According to Shams Charaina of the Athletic, Kai Jones is working out and meeting with the Philadelphia 76ers in the coming days.

Eastern Conference playoff contender set to meet/workout former first-round pick Kai Jones, who is hopeful for NBA clearance soon to play again: pic.twitter.com/SmubqValwP

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 8, 2024

Charlotte waived Jones in October following a series of concerning off the court incidents and poor play on the court. Jones originally requested a trade, but Charlotte was unable to find a trade partner for the mercurial forward.

The Hornets selected Jones out of Texas with the 19th overall pick in the 2021 draft after trading for that pick from the New York Knicks.

Kai Jones Reveals Details Behind His Exit From Charlotte

Jones appeared in 67 games with the Charlotte Hornets. In those games, he averaged 9.1 minutes, 2.7 points, and 2.0 rebounds per game. His electrifying leaping-ability and tantalizing athleticism made Jones an intriguing prospect, but it never translated to success on the court.

Jones would make sense for the Sixers for a myriad of reasons. Philadelphia has an open roster spot, and their only healthy player taller than 6'9" is Mo Bamba following reigning MVP Joel Embiid's midseason injury.

Charania said in his video that Jones has "worked on himself," which is welcome news to Hornets fans that were worried about his well-being towards the end of his run in Charlotte. 

The Hornets take on the 76ers on March 18th in Philadelphia which would be Jones' first chance to suit up against his former squad.

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