Hornets center away from the team for 'personal reasons'

While it isn’t described as a suspension, Hornets center Kai Jones will be away from the team indefinitely with no timetable for a return, sources tell Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Jones will be absent for training camp due to personal reasons, Charania adds, and Charlotte is in “constant” contact with the former first-round pick.

The Hornets released a statement confirming that Jones is indefinitely away from the team for "personal reasons."

Rod Boone of The Charlotte Observer reported a few days ago that there were indications that Jones might not play for the Hornets this season. The 22-year-old made a series of strange social media posts — including calling out some of his teammates — and has been absent during optional sessions for players in recent weeks.

Jones will earn a guaranteed $3.05M this season after the Hornets picked up their third-year team option on his rookie-scale contract last fall. However, based on recent events and his limited role during his first two seasons, it’s looking extremely unlikely that they will pick up his $4.69M option for 2024-25.

A native of the Bahamas, Jones played two years at Texas before being selected No. 19 overall in the 2021 draft. During his two seasons with Charlotte, he has averaged a 2.7 points and 2.0 rebounds in 67 total games (9.1 minutes per night).

Jones has had a much bigger role at the G League level, averaging 17.2 points, 9.9 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 2.1 blocks in 38 regular -season games with the Greensboro Swarm — Charlotte’s affiliate — from 2021-23. However, he was still projected to be the Hornets’ third-string center entering 2023-24, behind Mark Williams and Nick Richards.