The Los Angeles Clippers are in need of some good news ahead of what could be a bleak season and there appears to be a bright spot in preseason. Former first-round pick Kai Jones is battling for a roster spot and has shown flashes of being a capable backup power forward or center for the Clippers.
That is a surprising development after he washed out with the Charlotte Hornets, leading to him being waived and spending a year out of the NBA.
He later spent time with the Philadelphia 76ers last season before signing with the Clippers this summer on an exhibit-10 contract. That make-good deal meant that he would have to earn a spot on the Clippers and he has done that thus far with his impressive play.
Will Kai Jones make the Los Angeles Clippers roster this season?
The Clippers currently have 15 guaranteed contracts for this season, which would mean that for Jones to make their roster, they would have to waive or trade a player to create roster space. The most likely candidate is PJ Tucker, who could either be traded or bought out with him not returning.
Swapping out an aging forward for Jones, who is just 23 years old, seems like a no-brainer given the potential that he has shown thus far in preseason. The Clippers are unlikely to be a terrific offense with the uncertainty surrounding the health of superstar Kawhi Leonard and an aging James Harden having to help carry more of the team's offense.
As a result, they may lean into defense with several good defenders, including Derrick Jones Jr., Kris Dunn, Nic Batum, and Ivica Zubac, as well as a healthy Kawhi. Jones would make sense in that case, given his physical tools.
Kai Jones can help the Clippers this season.
Jones is surprisingly mobile and athletic for a 6'11 big man, with his leaping ability and agility making him especially useful on defense. During the preseason, he has proven that he can be an impactful rim protector, swatting 2.5 blocks and forcing 1.3 steals in 24.3 minutes per game.
Kai Jones' last 2 games
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) October 15, 2024
12 PTS, 4 REB, 2 BLK, 2 STL (83% FG)
8 PTS, 6 REB, 5 BLK, 2 STL (50% FG)pic.twitter.com/DDY7jbvQYv
That is exceptional for someone who was considered to be a fringe NBA player prior to the preseason. Offensively, he won't need to do much more than be a lob threat and his leaping ability as well as his speed running the floor have already proven that he can fit that mold.
Having an athletic rim protector and rim runner is a valuable player and if he can be that for the Clippers, then he could and should make their roster.