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Atlanta Hawks NBA Draft: 5 prospects to target with the 20th pick

By Joshua Buckhalter

April 5, 2021; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Baylor Bears guard Jared Butler (12) in the second half during the national championship game in the Final Four of the 2021 NCAA Tournament against the Gonzaga Bulldogs at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
April 5, 2021; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Baylor Bears guard Jared Butler (12) in the second half during the national championship game in the Final Four of the 2021 NCAA Tournament against the Gonzaga Bulldogs at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta Hawks Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta Hawks 2021 NBA Draft Prospect No. 4: Kai Jones’ performance at the end of the season offers encouragement if his skills carry over into the league

2021 Stats: 8.8/4.8/0.6; .580/.382/.689

Remember that part about seeing talented but flawed players in addition to older than others? Well, Kai Jones fits into that category. The sophomore stepped up his game towards the end of the year after a mixed regular season. It was encouraging because he more than doubled his points per game and saw increases in rebounds.

The disappointment is because, as we saw, he has the potential to be so much more.

In his final four games, including the Big 12 and NCAA Tournaments, he averaged 11 points per game and shot 40 percent from deep while blocking 1.8 shots per contest as well.

Jones had 13 points and five boards in the Big 12 Championship and put on a well-rounded performance in the Longhorns lone NCAA game. He had 11 points, three rebounds, two assists, and three blocks.

Despite concerns about his strength at the next level — he’s listed at 6-foot-11 and 220 pounds — Jones had at least two blocks in three of his final four collegiate games. But Jones isn’t viewed as an immediate contributor anyway. That could keep the Hawks from grabbing him but, with so few glaring holes, could also lead them to bank on his potential.

He’ll also need to clean up the fouls, another area where his slight build has been an issue. But if his range translates, he’ll be just fine in what is a perimeter-oriented league anyway.

There wouldn’t be many minutes for him. John Collins could get a max contract this offseason. The Hawks also just drafted Onyeka Okongwu in last year’s draft, still have Clint Capela under contract for two more years, and Bruno Fernando is hanging around.

Still, Jones offers an enticing mix of traits that a team like Atlanta can afford to wait on.