Golden State Warriors: Kai Jones could be a steal if he drops at 14

The Golden State Warriors shouldn’t be in the market for a center, but with all the trade rumors circling the franchise, there’s no denying that they could be looking to add frontcourt depth if they trade 2020 first-round pick James Wiseman.

If Wiseman is traded, the Warriors would be extremely thin in the frontcourt with just former first-round pick Kevon Looney. Looney was given a handful of starts last season and was not overly impressive.

The Golden State Warriors may need to draft a center at No. 14, and if Texas big man Kai Jones is available, he’d be a steal with the last lottery pick.

Jones stands 6-foot-11 and has a 7-foot-3 wingspan.

While he might have been able to leave after his freshman season in Texas, Jones returned and saw more time and increased production. His collegiate numbers, averaging just 8.8 points and 4.8 rebounds per game, do not tell the whole story.

Kevin O’ Connor’s draft guide headlined Jones as a “Bahamian big man with tantalizing perimeter skills and the raw versatility to someday become a multi-positional defender.”

It compared Jones to the likes of Christian Wood and JaVale McGee. Bam Adebayo may be the ceiling, and if that’s the type of player he could become, there’s no denying Golden State should want him to fall.

With how they switch defensively, Jones could be the ideal addition, especially as he was also a competent three-point shooter at the collegiate level. Jones shot 38.2 percent from deep, making a three every other game. He shot 58 percent from the field his second season in college.

While he wasn’t a big-time scorer, Jones’ ability to potentially become a multi-positional defender is what should intrigue the Warriors, especially with the amount of playmaking they have on their roster.

Now, for Golden State, it will likely depend on who falls to that last lottery selection. If Jones is there but so is forward Jalen Johnson, it will be a tough decision for Bob Myers and company to make. The Warriors have also been rumored to potentially be in the market to trade the pick.

If they don’t trade the pick and they do end up trading Wiseman, Jones, who can defend and shoot, would be the perfect addition for Golden State. Keep an eye on Jones in the draft if the Warriors deal their coveted center.

Unless that happens, Jones doesn’t make much sense with Wiseman bring the future of the five for the Warriors.