The 2021 NBA Draft is this week and it’s set to be one of the most talented drafts in a while.
For most people, this is a 4 player draft, meaning the 4 players at the top, Cade Cunningham, Evan Mobley, Jalen Suggs, and Jalen Green, are the ones you want and you were lucky if you got into the top 4. Most of the year it was a 5 player draft with Jonathan Kuminga joining those 4.
It has now kind of turned into 6 player draft with some having it 7. Florida State’s Scottie Barnes and James Bouknight have entered the tier with the aforementioned 5 guys and now there might be a little shakeup in the top 7 with teams wanting to move back because they like someone else.
If you follow the game, you know who these guys are. They’ve been the most talked about guys this year. However, like I said, I think this is one of the most talented drafts in a while and there are plenty of guys you might not know enough about.
With that being said, here is a spotlight series on some of this years’ prospects that don’t get talked about as much.
First up?
Texas big man Kai Jones.
Kai is one of my favorite player in this draft and his draft stock has risen almost more than anyone else’s. He’s a projected lottery pick and can go as high as 7th. If you look up Kai and see he’s a 6’11” 218 big man then see that he only averaged 9 points and 5 rebounds while only starting 4 games in his sophomore year at Texas you might be turned away but the kid has a lot talent despite what the numbers say. Keep in mind, he was the Big 12 6th Man of the Year for a reason.
How is he as a prospect though?
He is extremely athletic. With one of the highest ceilings in this draft, Kai could end up being on of the biggest steals no matter he’s drafted. He would give a team some versatility on both ends of the court because on defense he can protect the paint but can also step out on the wing and guard wing guys a little. Offensively he has the potential to be great. He can shoot a little, is a good pick and roll player, and is a great finisher.
Kai is a little raw as a player so he would be a little of a project player but he would still be able to make an impact as soon as he hits the floor.
What are his weaknesses?
Now, there are definitely some weaknesses that he will need to work to become the player I think he can become. For instance, he will need to add some weight/strength to be able to play at a high level against NBA big men. He will also need to become a more consistent player. With his shots and effort on defense. Kai also needs to work on his footwork.
Where should he get drafted?
As I said, Kai is a projected lottery pick and can go as high as 7. I don’t think he will get drafted that high but I think he should land at 9 to the Kings. Marvin Bagley and the Kings seem like they’re headed for a breakup, Richaun Holmes is a free agent so you never know if he will come back or not, and the only big men currently on the roster are Damian Jones and Chimezie Metu. They need another big to go with their young talented wings and Kai would be a great fit there.
Who would his NBA comparison be?
This is tricky. He has a very high ceiling but right now has a long way to get there. Early on, I think he could be like Jaren Jackson Jr and can even see some Myles Turner with hints of Anthony Davis but if he improves on the things he needs to he can be so much better.
How does he see himself as a player?
Kai says it’s a mix between Kevin Durant and Giannis. If he could somehow become close to being a mix between those two future HOF then look out.
Flip the page to see his highlights.