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University of Texas center Kai Jones announced that he had an interview with the San Antonio Spurs today during 2021 NBA Draft Combine media availability.
University of Texas sophomore Kai Jones had an interview with the Spurs today, per @WhichCarolina.
— Noah Magaro-George (@N_Magaro) June 24, 2021
The 20-year-old big man has spoken to 13 teams up to this point, including the Pelicans, Warriors, Raptors, and Celtics. But Kai only had good things to say about his interaction with the Spurs.
Former Texas big man Kai Jones interviewed with the #Spurs today at the draft combine in Chicago.
— Tom Orsborn (@tom_orsborn) June 24, 2021
"It went really well," he said via Zoom. "I love everything they stand for…It would be a pleasure to be part of that organization.”
Jones was one of the 353 early entry candidates for the 2021 NBA Draft. He was also one of the 69 players invited to the 2021 NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena and the Marriott Marquis in Chicago.
Kai measured at 6’11.5 in shoes with a 7’1.75 wingspan at the combine this week. And his freakish mobility and massive two-way potential have front offices salivating at the thought of adding him to their franchise.
Jones averaged 8.8 points and 4.8 rebounds in 22.8 minutes per game as a mainstay off the bench during his sophomore season for head coach Shaka Smart and the Longhorns.
The lanky Bahamian only began playing organized basketball in 2017, so any team that picks him will likely have to be patient as he adjusts to the next level. But his physical tools make him a bonafide lottery target.
Collegiate players who have applied for early entry have until July 7 to withdraw their name from consideration for the 2021 NBA Draft to retain their remaining NCAA eligibility.
That deadline gives NBA hopefuls a chance to go through the draft combine (June 21-27) and watch the lottery (June 22) unfold before making a final decision on their basketball future.
The 2021 NBA Draft will take place on July 29 at 7 PM CST at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. ESPN and ABC will televise the first round, and the second round will air exclusively on ESPN.