Image Source: Charlotte Observer
[Saba Sports News] Philadelphia 76ers center Kai Jones grabbed attention for all the wrong reasons earlier this season. The former first-round pick has now shed light on what might have triggered his peculiar behavior.
The spotlight turned on Jones following a perplexing Instagram live stream, during which the then-Charlotte Hornets player appeared to speak incoherently. He also engaged in online disputes with his Hornets teammates and eventually requested a trade.
Subsequently waived by the Hornets, Jones found a new home with the 76ers last week.
In an interview with The Athletic’s Shams Charania, published on Monday, Jones seemed poised to turn a new leaf. The 23-year-old disclosed that the passing of two great-grandparents had profoundly affected him, prompting contemplation of his own mortality and wrestling with “negative voices” in his mind.
“I think I was just trying to cancel out the negative voices in my head. Because, to be honest with you, Shams, I didn’t want to die,” Jones confided to Charania.
Acknowledging that he had distanced himself from several individuals during his turbulent phase, including his former agency Klutch Sports, Jones expressed gratitude for the positive impact of consistent therapy sessions on his mental well-being.
During his tenure with the Hornets, Jones averaged 2.7 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 0.5 blocks across 67 games played over two seasons. The Texas alum was selected 19th overall in the 2021 NBA Draft.