Kai Jones Makes Big Impact in Preseason Debut

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Bahamian center forward Kai Jones of the Charlotte Hornets made a big impact in limited minutes in the team’s first preseason game of the 2022-23 season against the Boston Celtics in Boston. 

In just nine minutes of playing time, Jones scored 5 points on 2 of 2 field goals, both of which came in the form of two monster dunks on Celtics reserve center Luka Samananic.

He also had five rebounds and a block. Jones has the opportunity this season to step into the rotation and play meaningful minutes because of the team’s lack of reliable play at the center position and the fact that Miles Bridges, one of the team’s top players last year is in serious legal trouble, leading to the team parting ways with him. 

Despite Kai’s efficiency, the Hornets put up a lackluster effort overall shooting 35 percent from the field and a paltry 15 percent from 3.

The team’s leading scorer was Kelly Oubre who had 17 points. Boston’s all-stars led the way for them with Jaylen Brown Scoring 24 points and pulling down 5 rebounds while Jayson Taytum had 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists. 

Jones and the Hornets take on fellow Bahamian Buddy Hield and the Indiana Pacers in the Pacers’ preseason debut in Charlotte on Wednesday.