Clippers Sign Intriguing Big Man Ahead of Season Debut
October 20, 2024
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The Los Angeles Clippers are a couple of days away from the start of their 2024-25 season and have made some significant moves in the process.
The Clippers are converting big man Kai Jones to a two-way contract from his previous Exhibit 10 deal. ESPN’s Shams Charania shared the news via Twitter/X.
The Los Angeles Clippers are keeping center Kai Jones on the regular-season roster via a two-way NBA deal, sources tell ESPN. Jones has developed in Clippers’ system and had a strong preseason, averaging 8 points and 5 rebounds as the backup big. pic.twitter.com/h3nOxyt30L
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 19, 2024
Jones claimed the final spot on the Clippers’ two-way spot due to his solid play in the preseason.
In five preseason games, Jones averaged 7.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks as the primary backup center while Mo Bamba dealt with injury.
Kai Jones #23 of the LA ClipL.A.rs dunks the basketball during the first half of the game against the Dallas Mavericks at Intuit Dome on October 14, 2024 in Inglewood, California. The Los Angeles Clippers… Kai Jones #23 of the LA ClipL.A.rs dunks the basketball during the first half of the game against the Dallas Mavericks at Intuit Dome on October 14, 2024 in Inglewood, California. The Los Angeles Clippers are keeping around center Kai Jones as they signed him to a two-way contract.
Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images
Before the Clippers signing Jones to the two-way deal, head coach Tyronn Lue said that Jones is the team’s backup center. For Jones, it helps that P.J. Tucker remains away from the team as they are figuring out a way to trade him elsewhere.
The former No. 19 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft is a native of the Bahamas who attended the University of Texas from 2019-21. Jones gradually improved during his time in Texas and was ultimately named Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year and All-Big 12 honorable mention.
In his sophomore year and final year as a Longhorn, he averaged 8.8 points and 4.8 rebounds before declaring for the draft.
The New York Knicks drafted Jones, who was immediately traded to the Charlotte Hornets, where he spent his first two seasons in the league. As a Hornet, he was less than impressive, averaging 2.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, 0.4 steals, and 0.7 blocks in 67 games and 9.1 minutes per game.
The assumption is that Jones will play a bigger role with the Clippers, who are a depleted team as they enter the season. L.A. will have Jones on their side to start the year, but they will be without their best player, superstar forward Kawhi Leonard.
Leonard is out indefinitely as he rehabilitates from inflammation in his right knee, which has bothered him for the last few months.
Lue said that there is no timeline.
“[There is] no timeline,” Lue said. “Like we said from day one, it is going take some time. He’s going to progress, he’s doing all the right things, he’s working hard and he’s looking good.”
The Clippers, in the meantime, could use all the help they can get, including Jones. The 23-year-old hasn’t gotten a fair shot in the league, and we’ll see if the Clippers provide him with some minutes.
Los Angeles tips off their season on Cct. 23 against the Phoenix Suns.
More news: Lakers Make Big Roster Change Prior to Season Start
For more Clippers news, make sure to head over to Newsweek Sports.
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