Lajae Jones is a powerful right-handed guard/wing with defensive ability and unusual strength for the position. Jones averaged 12.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 blocked shots per game at Florida State. He shot 34.6% from three-point range for his career and 77.1% from the free throw line. Jones played three NCAA seasons and one junior college season. He started at Tarleton State in 2022-23, went to junior college the following season, played at St. Bonaventure in 2024-25, and finished at Florida State. He comes from a basketball family. His father played in the CBA and was in training camp with the Dallas Mavericks in 1991. At 6'6" with a 6'7.5" wingspan and 228 pounds, Jones is commonly listed as a power forward, but he is way undersized for that in the NBA. Even as a small forward, he would be giving up length. The better positional bet is shooting guard, where his strength, toughness, and defensive ability could become more useful. He posted a plus 1.1 DDiff and has big hands, with a 10.5" hand width.
The issue is the offensive feel for a guard. Jones posted a 1.08-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio, and we have a hard time with guards who are not good at setting up teammates. The shooting is passable, but not a clear separator. His value will have to come from defending, playing with force, rebounding, and making enough open shots. We do not foresee Jones being drafted. Still, the strength, defensive profile, big hands, and physical style give him a chance to earn looks. We think he could potentially become a deep-bench shooting guard in the NBA.
