Kai Jones reflects on his EuroLeague debut with Anadolu Efes after turbulent NBA years. The former Mavs big man discusses lessons from Charlotte, his mental recovery, newfound stability in Istanbul, and his mission to represent the Bahamas with pride.
The heartbeat of Anadolu EfesIstanbul's win over Olympiacos Piraeus in the Peace and Friendship Stadium on Tuesday night pulsed through its new blood.
Cole Swider erupted for 20 points in just 15 minutes, Isaia Cordinier sealed the victory with clutch baskets in the final moments, and Kai Jones — the first Bahamian ever to play in the EuroLeague — left his fingerprints all over the game.
His line was modest by NBA standards: 7 rebounds, a block, a pair of electrifying dunks, and a PIR of 13.
But for Jones, this night in Piraeus meant far more than numbers.
Speaking to BasketNews after the win, Jones' tone was calm and measured — a far cry from the whirlwind reputation that followed him during his NBA years.
"It's going well," he said. "I'm glad that I chose to come here, and the team's doing really well. It's a really good team. Yeah, I'm loving it so far."
A year ago, few would have predicted Jones would find his rhythm in Istanbul.
After brief stints in Charlotte, Los Angeles, and Dallas, he became known less for his athleticism and more for a turbulent period that unfolded publicly in 2023. But the storm has passed.
At Efes, Jones has rebuilt a foundation based on routine, stability, and an identity beyond the highlight reel.
"So far, I like the way that the basketball feels," he said. "It's a really groupy ball, and my teammates are great. They're really great guys. It's a great bond here, so that's been awesome too."
Period of emotional turmoil
During his tenure with the Charlotte Hornets, Jones went through a very public period of emotional turmoil that was compounded by grief, isolation, and erratic behavior off the court.
After losing his great-grandmother, he admitted in interviews that he felt overwhelmed, hearing voices in his head, and pushing people away who he believed didn't understand him.
He also shared that his social media posts became increasingly erratic, with statements comparing his shooting to LaMelo Ball or Brandon Miller, calling himself the "GOAT," and criticizing teammates — actions that raised concern among both Hornets staff and teammates.
These disturbances led the Hornets to place him away from team activities under 'personal reasons,' and eventually waive him in October 2023.
However, his mental struggles seem to belong in the past. Jones has found stability that comes from
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Giorgos Kyriakidis
Born and raised in Athens, Giorgos Kyriakidis turned his passion for writing and basketball into a career. With a BA in Communication & Media Studies and an MA in Sport, Culture & Society, he’s spent nearly two decades reporting, commentating, and interviewing for outlets like Athens Municipal Radio and TalkBasket. Since 2021, he’s been a staff writer for BasketNews.
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