Clippers Bring Back Polarizing Big Man for Another Season
By Cem Yolbulan
The Los Angeles Clippers are having a busy offseason that left some Clippers fans frustrated. They decided to let Paul George walk in free agency and signed polarizing guard Kevin Porter Jr.
That raised a lot of eyebrows on social media and among the fanbase. At the same time, they made smart signings such as acquiring Derrick Jones Jr. and Nicolas Batum.
The most recent report from Shams Charania of The Athletic continues the trend of confusing moves by the Clippers' front office. According to Charania, LA is re-signing big man Kai Jones to a non-guaranteed deal.
Clippers News: Los Angeles Re-Signs Kai Jones in Free Agency
Sources: Free agent C/F Kai Jones has agreed to a non-guaranteed deal to return to the Los Angeles Clippers. Clippers incorporated the talented 6-foot-11 big man at end of last season and give the 2021 No. 19 overall pick a chance to compete for roster spot next season.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 5, 2024
The Clippers had brought Jones in at the end of the 2023-24 season after the 23-year-old spent some time in the G League with the Delaware Blue Coats. He failed to crack the rotation and didn't make an appearance with the Clippers.
Whether he will have a chance to show what he can do in Los Angeles next season remains to be seen but Jones' track record so far in the NBA isn't too promising.
The former Texas standout was the 19th overall pick of the Hornets back in 2021. Despite elite athleticism and physical tools, Jones never established himself as a rotation-level player.
After being a fringe player in Charlotte for two seasons, Jones publicly requested a trade on social media. This followed a bizarre trend of him declaring himself the best basketball player of all time and throwing shade at his teammates.
The Clippers will have to hope that Jones has left those days behind. Otherwise, this may turn out to be a wasted roster spot for Los Angeles.
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