3 Players Lue must be more open-minded with in Clippers playoff run

Kai Jones

This one might seem like a total shocker, but I believe the Clippers and Coach Lue should also be keeping an open mind about Kai Jones as the playoffs loom. The 19th pick from the 2021 NBA Draft has had a chaotic three seasons in the league, and recently found himself a new home in LA.

After being drafted to the Hornets, Jones played sparingly during his first two seasons in Charlotte. He showed some interesting potential as an wing that could affect the game in a variety of ways with his length and athleticism. His dunk over Victor Wembanyama in the 2023 Summer League was all anyone needed to be excited about his game.

But Kai ran into some problems when he began exhibiting unusual behavior later in the summer of last year, leading the Hornets to waive him. After getting some off the court help, he landed with the Clippers and will be eligible to compete in the playoffs this year.

There is simply too much untapped potential for Jones to be a total non-factor for LA over the course of their 2024 playoff run. Trying to play him 20-plus minutes per night against high-level competition may not be wise, but I believe he could benefit this team in spurts.