Jul 29, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Kai Jones (Texas) poses with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number nineteen overall pick by the New York Knicks in the first round of the 2021 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Just eight picks after selecting James Bouknight with the 11th overall pick, the Charlotte Hornets made a big trade with the New York Knicks, sending a future first-round pick for the 19th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. With that pick, the Hornets took Texas center Kai Jones, who many draft experts projected to be picked by the Hornets at 11 since they have such a pressing need at center.