The Golden State Warriors selected Florida State University wing Lajae Jones with the No. 54 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft on June 24, according to a scouting report from Bleacher Report.
Jones, 22, averaged 12.7 points and 5.7 rebounds per game in his final collegiate season, establishing himself as a legitimate professional prospect.
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At the NBA Draft Combine, he measured 6 feet 7 inches and 220 pounds, confirming the physical attributes that had drawn attention from talent evaluators.
Defensive Versatility as Primary Asset
Scouts compare Jones to veteran wing Josh Okogie due to their similar defensive versatility, toughness, and high-energy play.
Both entered the league with strong defensive foundations but questions about perimeter shooting.
Jones shot 42.7 percent from the field and 76.3 percent from the free-throw line during college.
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However, his three-point percentage stood at 32.5 percent, marking a key area for improvement to earn consistent minutes in the NBA.
His mobility allows him to switch across multiple perimeter positions, making defense his strongest asset.
Offensively, he relies on transition opportunities and active cutting rather than creating his own shot, as reflected by his average of 1.1 assists per game.
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The Warriors added Jones to bolster their defensive depth on the wing.
