Clippers could have one forgotten-about X-factor this season
By Will Eudy
After losing Paul George in free agency, the LA Clippers are well-equipped to go into next season and face the many talented teams in the Western Conference. They revamped their roster in a hurry, and should have enough to still be more than competitive, even with so many talented teams around them.
Kris Dunn will provide a big boost in the ball-handling department. His defense will be crucial in stopping and frustrating opposing point guards. Derrick Jones Jr. will be replacing much of what George brought on the wing with his stout defense and reliable three-point shooting.
Clippers fans likely know more or less what they will be getting out of this roster next season. But as we look further down the bench, there is at least one player buried deep in the rotation that is perhaps being overlooked a bit. I am speaking of Kai Jones.
Kai Jones could be an X-factor for the Clippers
Initially signed by the Clippers back in April, Kai reached a non-guaranteed one-year deal with the team for the 2024-25 season during the free agency period in July. Playing on a "prove it" contract, the 2021 draft selection will get one more chance to prove he belongs in this league.
As such, Jones does not have high expectations and there is not much hype surrounding him. But it can be easy to forget all that he has gone through in the last year. While still a member of the Charlotte Hornets last fall, Kai acted out on social media and clearly was not where he needed to be mentally.
He would later reveal that he was dealing with some deaths in the family, which led him to struggling from a mental perspective. When he was let go by the Hornets, he was simply looking to get healthy and find a new home in the NBA.
Now that he has that in the Clippers, there could be a brand-new Kai Jones on the horizon. Clippers writer for The Athletic Law Murray reported that Kai is now fully healthy, and understands his role with the team. If all goes right, Jones could end up making a difference for LA this year.
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