In a surprising turn of events, the Charlotte Hornets’ first-round pick, Kai Jones, will be absent from the team during training camp, and his return date remains uncertain. The Athletic reported this development, which follows a series of concerning posts made by Jones on social media. The situation has raised questions about the young center’s well-being and his immediate future with the team.
The Charlotte Observer recently shed light on the matter, focusing on a video that surfaced on Instagram Live featuring Jones. In the video, he appeared to be sweating and speaking rapidly, to the point where his words were difficult to comprehend. Despite affirming in the video that he did not believe he would be traded by the Hornets, it sparked concerns among fans and the organization.
Hornets’ Kai Jones Absent Indefinitely Following Concerning Social Media Posts
In response to the growing concerns, Jones took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to address the situation. He vehemently denied any drug or alcohol use, stating that he was simply enjoying his time at home. His tweet read, “I was not on drugs or intoxicated. I was enjoying my night in my crib, y’all bugging” followed by four different emojis and the hashtag “#GOATLIFE.”
"If I get that call on my phone, I will have my bye, but I don't think that's gonna happen anytime soon."
Kai Jones appears to be saying on his IG Live that the Hornets will not trade him 🤔pic.twitter.com/7ZBPfYloEf
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 7, 2023
Furthermore, when confronted with a comment suggesting that his teammates LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller were superior, Jones responded defensively. He stated, “I’ve had a higher field goal percentage than those guys since I came out the womb, and none of them can guard me, so know your ball before you talk to the one in here, MF,” accompanied by five different emojis.
Hornets head coach acknowledged the situation
Hornets head coach Steve Clifford acknowledged the situation, mentioning that it had been dealt with internally. However, he did not provide any specific updates regarding Jones. Reports indicate that Jones did not participate in optional workouts over the summer, further adding to the uncertainty surrounding his current status.
During the NBA Summer League, Jones showcased his potential with an impressive dunk over Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, drawing attention and excitement from fans. He expressed his enthusiasm for the game, emphasizing his love for basketball and his dedication to improving his skills.
While the summer league gave a glimpse of the role Jones could potentially fill for the Hornets, the recent social media incidents have clouded his short-term future with the team. The organization and fans alike are now left wondering about the reasons behind his absence from training camp and when he will be back on the court.
It is crucial for the Hornets to support Jones during this challenging time and ensure that he receives any necessary assistance or guidance. The team’s priority should be the well-being and long-term development of the young player, both on and off the court.
As the situation develops, the Hornets will need to assess the impact of Jones’ absence and determine the best course of action moving forward. For now, fans and the organization must remain patient and hopeful that Kai Jones will return to the Hornets, ready to contribute positively to the team’s success.