By Fitzgerald Cecilio

Another big-time prospect has been discovered to have medical issues that might affect his stock in the NBA draft.

According to several sources, NBA doctors expressed concern about a meniscus issue in the knee of Baylor forward Perry Jones III.

Jones is the second player in the draft to be red-flagged by doctors after Jared Sullinger's back problems were discovered. The doctors said Sullinger's back issues could shorten his playing career.

Some teams believe the knee could pose a problem for Jones down the road and could require surgery at some point in his playing career. Jones' agent, Bill Duffy, declined to comment on the report.

Like Sullinger, the medical issue could hurt Jones in the draft. Jones is projected as a lottery pick but with the red flag hanging over him, this could turn off teams and he may be taken in the latter part of the first round.

Jones, a 6-11 power forward with an amazing wingspan of 7 feet and 2 inches, is described by scouts as similar to Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Kevin Durant in terms of size-speed combo and match-up nightmare for opponents.

Scouts speak highly of Jones' versatility, saying "he is great in transition, a surprisingly good ball-handler, has loads of untapped potential and could defend all five positions on the floor".

As a freshman in 2011, Jones averaged 13.9 points on 54.9 percent shooting and 7.2 boards per contest. He scored double digit in points all but four times in Baylor's 30-game season.

Following that season, many analysts pegged him as a top-five pick in the NBA Draft but Jones decided to return to Baylor for a second season.

"Coming back for my sophomore year helped with my maturity," said Jones after a pre-draft workout with the Philadelphia 76ers, who own the 15th pick in the draft. "I think if I had left for the NBA after my freshman year, I wouldn't have done so well. I wasn't ready."

In his second year, Jones averaged 13.5 points and 7.6 rebounds.

 

 

NBA Doctors Red Flag Perry Jones III Due to Knee Issue