NBA DRAFT

July 29, 2021

Kai Jones

THE MODERATOR: If you'd start out with an opening statement about what you'll bring to your new team, please.

KAI JONES: To my new team, I'm going to Charlotte. I'm going to bring versatility and all-around play from inside and out, and energy all the time.

THE MODERATOR: Could you just describe your playing style?

KAI JONES: I'm a versatile forward who can score inside and out and defend one through five.

Q. You came from Texas, a university that is known for big men. A lot of big men that you have to lean on in the league. You've got Myles Turner, Jarrett Allen, just fantastic defenders. What is it like to carry on the tradition of Texas and the expectations of being a big man drafted so high out of Texas?

KAI JONES: It's a blessing. University of Texas is a first-class school. We work really hard there. Coach has held us bigs to a standard every time we come through. So it's a huge blessing. I know some of the guys who are already in the NBA. I have a relationship with them. It's going to be huge for me moving forward, just being able to talk to them about their experiences, learn from them and compete against them, too.

Q. You're going to be playing with LaMelo Ball. How exciting is that for you? And who are you most excited to match up against potentially?

KAI JONES: Playing with LaMelo Ball is going to be super dope. He can pass the ball, he's a good point guard, he can score, he can pass. Seems like a good guy to be around. And I'm most excited to play against Kevin Durant, seeing that he went to UT, he's a forward, can really score. I'd like to see what my defense looks like against him.

Q. How excited are you to finally be in the league?

KAI JONES: Man, I'm super excited. It's a huge blessing. Many people from the Bahamas don't get to be in this position, so I'm really excited, man. I'm super blessed.

Q. Obviously the fit was kind of the talk of Twitter. They saw the flamingos inside. Tell us a bit about the suit?

KAI JONES: This is a custom-made suit. I got it tailored in L.A. by a company, Elevee. The pink is for flamingos, obviously. I like this shirt; it's silky soft. I have some straw shoes on. And then these cufflinks are custom, too; they've got my initials on them. They're super dope. I love my suit.

Q. Just talk about your meeting with them a few weeks ago.

KAI JONES: When I went to workouts the first time, it was really good. I got to show them just my all-around game, hitting threes, a really good workout. I showed them what I could do. Then that second workout, when they brought me back again, that was one of the best workouts I had during the pre-draft process. I went super hard. I knew it was my last workout. I really gave it my all, shot the ball really well, got to show my handling ability and athleticism. So it was really good. I had a really good workout with them.