Anadolu Efes Istanbul secured its interior future on Sunday, announcing a two-year contract extension with center Kai Jones that runs through the end of the 2027-28 season.
The 2.11-meter big man has emerged as one of the most efficient finishers in the EuroLeague during his debut campaign, converting 45 of 47 field-goal attempts for a 95.7% success rate.
Jones has also made 30 consecutive shots, putting him on pace to set a EuroLeague record for field-goal accuracy if he maintains the threshold.
In 26 appearances, the 25-year-old is averaging 3.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 14 minutes per game, ranking fourth in the league in blocks per contest.
His production has come within a defined role, anchored in rim protection and vertical spacing.
Efes is shooting 54.2% from two-point range as a team, and Jones’ ability to convert nearly every attempt has amplified the efficiency of pick-and-roll sets and weak-side lob actions.
The Bahamian center did not begin playing competitive basketball until age 15, yet quickly developed into a top prospect due to his size and athleticism.
After moving to the United States for high school, he played at the University of Texas before being selected 19th overall in the 2021 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks.
He was traded on draft night to the Charlotte Hornets and spent two seasons between Charlotte and its G League affiliate in Greensboro.
During the 2024-25 NBA season, Jones split time between the Los Angeles Clippers and Dallas Mavericks, posting 5.0 points and 3.1 rebounds across 40 games while shooting 79.8% from the field.
In Dallas, he averaged 11.4 points and 6.6 rebounds in 12 games while converting 83.6% of his attempts.
Now in Turkiye, Jones has carved out a defensive identity for Efes, which currently sits 17th in the EuroLeague standings at 9-19.
Interior defense and second-chance control remain focal points, and Jones’ 1.1 blocks and 3.4 rebounds in limited minutes address both categories.
