MIAMI — Free-agent center Kai Jones is spending four consecutive days at Kaseya Center this week as the Miami Heat evaluate whether to add him to the roster, according to The Miami Herald.
Jones, 24, began the workout schedule Monday and will remain with the club through Thursday. Miami currently has 14 players on standard contracts and could slot Jones in as the 15th man, but the team sits just above the luxury-tax threshold and may choose to keep the spot open when the season begins.
An Exhibit 10 agreement is one avenue under consideration, yet Jones is also drawing serious interest from Italian powerhouse Virtus Bologna, which can offer guaranteed salary and a larger role. He is not eligible for a two-way contract.
Scout lukewarm on first-rounder Jakucionis
Within the same Herald report, a veteran Eastern Conference scout offered a blunt assessment of rookie guard Kasparas Jakucionis, the Heat’s first-round pick. “NBA people I talked to in Las Vegas were killing him,” the scout said, citing concerns about quickness and shooting. The 19-year-old’s Summer League play was labeled “disappointing,” though the evaluator noted it is still early in the youngster’s development.
Burks unlikely to return after additions
After Miami signed Norman Powell and Simone Fontecchio this offseason, a reunion with guard Alec Burks appears improbable, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reported. Burks had expressed interest in coming back at the end of last season.
International reps and World Cup pre-qualifying
Several Heat players are active in international competition. Powell guided Jamaica to two wins in FIBA World Cup pre-qualifying before sitting out the window’s third game. Fontecchio, Nikola Jovic and Pelle Larsson are also suiting up for their national squads this summer.
Preseason tips off in San Juan
The Heat and Orlando Magic will open the preseason on Oct. 4 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the teams announced Tuesday. Miami has six exhibition games on the calendar.
Arison’s Hall of Fame presenters named
Heat legends Dwyane Wade, Alonzo Mourning and Pat Riley will serve as presenters when longtime team owner Micky Arison is enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame next month.
Source: Hoops Rumors
