Five-Star Chet Holmgren Commits to Gonzaga. Ive grown so much as a player here but more importantly as a person. So using that philosophy, Green is the biggest mover in our top five from No. Strengths: Athletic slasher who is one of the best pure scorers in the upcoming draft Can score at all three levels but he is significantly more efficient pulling up in the mid-range and going all the way to the basket High-rising guard who uses his vertical to attack the rim and finish with contact in the lane, but also elevates as a great rebounder who averaged nearly six rebounds per game as a 65 guard Advanced floor game, with excellent ISO ability and pull up scoring acumen Uses great ball handling and a lot of fakes to create space for his shot Crafty playmaker Thrives in isolation due to elite athleticism and high level ball-handling. Hes also a mediocre defender at the moment and will have to improve on that side of the ball. However, there's real concern here with where he's at right now. . Anthony had an up-and-down rookie season. 2021 SG Rankings. Bouknight's elbow injury and end-of-season struggles never truly suppressed his draft stock, as he's had plenty of believers around the NBA all season, and has affirmed that confidence over. We take a look at some of the prospects available in this draft, gauge their strengths, weaknesses, NBA comparisons and best landing spot within the players projected draft range. Golden State needs to add scoring for moments when Stephen Curry is not on the floor and James Bouknight, who dropped 40 points in a college game last season, can provide exactly that. Draft night always marks an evening of newfound hope for the future. Michael Mulford. Charlotte drafted James Bouknight in the first round. Listen, if youre a lottery pick, and youre able to accomplish that in two years, thats a pretty hard thing to turn down, Hurley said. Expect the UConn guard to follow a similar career path as Clarkson. Minnesota Timberwolves. He may be able to crawl into the end of the lottery, but it's most likely Bouknight gets drafted in the 15-20 range. James Bouknight NBA Draft Profile, Stats, Highlights and Projection, Keeanu Benton Draft Profile: Stats, Highlights and 2023 NFL Draft Projection, Nick Herbig Draft Profile: Stats, Highlights and 2023 NFL Draft Projection, Anton Harrison Draft Profile: College Highlights and 2023 NFL Draft Projection, Dawand Jones Draft Profile: College Highlights and 2023 NFL Draft Projection, Cody Mauch Draft Profile: College Highlights and 2023 NFL Draft Projection, Broderick Jones Draft Profile: College Highlights and 2023 NFL Draft Projection. Coach Tom Thibodeau said at the combine the team will be looking to add shooting not only 3s but also off the dribble. Despite that, he did his best work around the rim averaging 1.37 points per shot around the rim in the half court [86th percentile]. He could be the highest-drafted Husky since 2009, when Hasheem Thabeet was picked No. Photo by Porter Binks/Getty Images The 2021 NBA draft will take place Thursday, July 29 with the Detroit Pistons holding the No. Card Condition. Showing the ability to change speeds, get downhill, and finish creatively at the rim, Bouknight was exceptionally efficient around the rim last season. For the seventh year in a row, we're featuring Kevin O'Connor's Big Board, in which he extensively breaks down each of the top prospects' strengths, weaknesses, and closest NBA comparisons. James Bouknight is currently projected to be drafted by the Indiana Pacers at No. 2023 ABG-SI LLC. 7. Compare the numbers of the three finalists for the leagues top defensive honor. That included a massive 40-point game against Creighton. . Most importantly, we have to keep in mind that those numbers aren't totally representative of his impact on UConn overall. Draft Projection. 1. Bouknight currently sits at No. Measurables: 6-foot-4.75, 190 pounds Age: 20. "The opportunity to play at the highest level of basketball has always been a dream of mine, and. He was known to miss opportunities in college and also tends to kill his dribble in costly spots. Widely regarded as a top-60 prospect in the high school class of 2019after his senior year atThe MacDuffie School(MA),Bouknight emerged as a key contributor for Head Coach Dan Hurley as a true freshman averaging 13 points per game. His ability to create off the bounce in between Curry and Klay Thompson would be a blast to watch.. One of the bigger Pelicans needs is someone who can play both sides of the floor as the team struggled defensively this season. 7, if the team passes on a Jonathan Kuminga scenario. Follow Charlotte on Twitter @charlottecrrll. Main Image Why it makes sense: OK, so for this last option, I went outside of the lottery because this is just fun to imagine. After averaging 13.0 points per game as a rookie with the University of Connecticut Huskies, the 20-year-old shooting guard averaged 18.7 last season. Andy Katz sits down with Connecticut's James Bouknight ahead of the 2021 NBA Draft. All Rights Reserved. The 2021 NBA draft will take place Thursday, July 29 with the Detroit Pistons holding the No. ET on ABC, ESPN and the ESPN App) with the draft boards of all 30 teams nearing completion and the shape of the lottery crystallizing. 6 as he narrowly edges out fast-rising forward Scottie Barnes as well as Davion Mitchell, Josh Giddey and Franz Wagner. The Knicks could be entering a new era after making the playoffs for the first time since 2013 despite a five-game first-round exit. 1. Draft Projection. 8 selections. Bouknight's feel and finesse as a pure bucket-getter also helps separate him as one of the best scorers in this draft. 2021 Panini Prizm Draft Picks. His shot-creation and ability to finish in traffic are NBA skills." Near Mint or Better. possible second round pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. Card Condition. It will mark a big breakthrough for UConn, which hasn't had an NBA Draft lottery pick since Andre. July 30, 2021 12:26 am CT. High turnover rate at the next level will take away his greatest offensive strength and force him to improve his spot-up shooting Boom or bust prospect with lots of potential but needs to improve three-point shooting , Notes: Measured: 63.5 barefoot, 64.75 in shoes, 85.5 standing reach, 190.0 lbs, 68.25 wingspan at the 2021 NBA Draft Combine 2021 All-Big East First Team 2020 All-AAC Third Team 18.7 PTS, 5.7 REB, 1.8 AST, 2.8 TO in final season at UConn Born in Brooklyn, NY. There are just over three weeks left until the 2021 NBA Draft. Welcome to The Ringer's 2023 NBA Draft Guide. Being high on Jalen Green means, by default, I am high on James Bouknight. Charlotte Hornets rookie James Bouknight revealed this week he received some pointers from team governor Michael Jordan after he struggled in the second game of the Las Vegas Summer League.. He also needs to build up his skinny frame, as opposing twos will likely try to take him on the block. And hell have a chance to play off the jump. He had an in-season elbow injury that ultimately required surgery. James Bouknight's rookie season was underwhelming to say the least. Why it makes sense: After only one season with its previous head coach, Indiana has another change at the top. 15, It'll Never Feel the Same Here': Missing Maryland Girl Drowns in Quarry, Metro Considering Platform Screen Doors to Protect Riders, Please Come Home': Family Searches for Missing Germantown Man, First Responders Use Narcan to Save 2-Year-Old Boy in Virginia. Cade Cunningham, PG, Oklahoma State. The Hornets traded a future first-round pick to the New York Knicks to acquire the No. Already a potent scorer (shooting 43.3% from three), Murphy honed in on his defensive abilities at Virginia. As well as he can manipulate defenders to create his own shot, he is still learning how to make plays for othersparticularly out ball screens. We break down the scouting report for James Bouknight and what to expect from the guard at the NBA level. Standings. UConn lost to Maryland in the first round of the 2021 NCAA men's tournament. The Washington Wizards hold the 15th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. . James Bouknight NBA Draft Profile, Stats, Highlights and Projection James Bouknight Position: Wing Height: 6'5" Weight: 190 lbs. He has excellent ball-handling skills and projects as a player who is firmly capable of creating his own shot at the NBA level. 1y. Breaking a Combine vertical leap record helped Keon Johnson turn heads last month, but he's out of our top 10 and down to No. Player/Athlete. Charlotte Carroll covers the New York Giants for The Athletic. The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz welcomes the ESPN NFL analyst to discuss what his colleagues mock him for his palate. Whether Washington trades up, down or stays firm at No. Clarkson improved as a shooter during his career and theres no reason Bouknight cant do the same. Lost your password? Hart rolled his ankle in the fourth quarter of Game 1 and was limited in Monday's practice before the Knicks later listed him as doubtful. Averaging 0.62 points per catch and shoot jump shot in the half court [11th percentile], Bouknight has room to grow as a floor spacer as he found very mixed results in limited attempts operating off the ball. The 2021 NBA Draft is scheduled to take place on Thursday, July 29th in Brooklyn. James Bouknight averaged 18.7 points per game for UConn as a sophomore last season. He doesn't fall far here -- just one spot to No. Jalen Green - 6-5 - G League Ingite; Moses Moody - 6-6 - Arkansas; James Bouknight - 6-5 . -DePrisco, 5. Bouknight looks to be a hybrid mix of Derrick White and Alec Burks. Bethany Balcer Reacts, Starting pitcher streamer rankings for fantasy baseball for Tuesday, April 18, Picks, predictions for Phillies vs. White Sox Tuesday, April 18th, Review of CBS Ryan Wilsons latest 2023 NFL mock draft, Chelsea vs. Real Madrid: Picks, aggregate score, how to watch Champions League match, Napoli vs. AC Milan: Picks, aggregate score, how to watch Champions League match, How to watch Champions League quarterfinals second leg on TV and via live stream. His points per game has improved slightly from 4.8 to 5.3. 2021 NBA Draft Projection. OKC Thunder lands James Bouknight in latest 2021 NBA Mock Draft OKC Thunder lands James Bouknight in latest 2021 NBA Mock Draft The OKC Thunder are a team building for the future, which. -Hughes, 4. James Bouknight: G: 22: Connecticut: 6-5: 190: lbsSophomore: USA: Greg Brown: F: 21: . I remain high on both, as evidenced by their continued stay within the top five of our Big Board. Hes a strong finisher at the basket. Cade Cunningham (G | Detroit Pistons) The top pick in the 2021 draft and the consensus top prospect should be in line . Odds and lines subject to change. This is often the case with guards who are above and beyond the best player on their collegiate team, however. This clearly plays a toll on him mentally, as hes often reluctant to take open threes. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. . NBA 2021 Draft Prospects | James Bouknight | NBA.com 2021 NBA Draft Draft Board Teams Trade Tracker News Video Full Draft Board 1 Round 1 DET Cade Cunningham G 2 Round 1 HOU. He averages 19 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.2 steals. The Oregon wing isn't just a shooter, however. Ultimately though, he needs to prove that he can knock down shots at a bit of a better clip, given that it needs to be a genuine plus skill with what his game will be.. He has great size and length at 6-9 with a 7-2 wingspan, and he certainly knows how to use it. But he's so raw on offense as a decision-maker and scorer that if I'm someone picking in the mid-to-late lottery, there are other players with more defined role-playing potential that project as safer options. Charlotte goes after another shooting guard for depth with Terry Rozier's recent injuries. Players have until the end of this month, May 30, to apply for entry into the 2021 NBA draft. Thinking about Bouknight your archetypal New York guard playing for his hometown crowd at the Garden is entertaining. He projects as a plus defender with solid court vision and playmaking skills. 1 on the CBS Sports Big Board for months leading up to the draft. Bouknight has been red hot the last two games, but I'm not sure he is the answer. 2021 Draft Results. (Photo: David Butler II / USA Today Sports). late first to mid second round pick in the 2021 NBA Draft or 2022 NBA Draft. Johnson is a unique talent with great strength and athleticism and lots of upside potential. James Bouknight, UConn James Bouknight has overcome injuries this season and led UConn to the Big East semifinals while playing through cramps. Now, he's looking to play a similar role one day with whichever team selects him at the 2021 NBA Draft. 1 pick is called in. Bouknight also has the potential to be a long-time guy in the league, generating hype as a reliable sixth man. And, finally, when you consider the way the NBA places a premium on big guards who can score the way he does, I can't reasonably talk myself into having him below Suggs and Mobley. I don't want to be too overreactive, but it's worth accounting for, so he slides down to the middle of our second round projections after an uninspiring Combine, making him one of the more fascinating prospects with a decision to make as the underclassmen withdrawal deadline approaches. Now all that's left for us to do is rank the class. We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. Hand-in-hand with his creative scoring is Bouknights athleticism which could be a big plus for the Pacers, who dont have many of those types. . There is no question he's among the best athletes in the draft, and his tenacity as a defender suggests he could in time grow into a two-way terror. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. He averaged 17.9 points on 46.1% field-goal shooting and 36.5% from 3 playing for the G League Ignite. The Memphis big man -- who led the league in blocks at 3.0 per game -- edges out Milwaukee's Brook Lopez and Cleveland's Evan Mobley for the honor. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. With draft week underway, the crew from across USA TODAY's NBA wire sites connected for a roundtable mock draft.. He can create his own shot with ease and can shoot the ball fairly well at times. Creating nearly a third of his possessions out of ball screens or isolations butfinding another quarter viahand offs and off screens, Bouknightnot onlyhad the freedom to create his own shotbutwasalsothe target of many of the Huskies designed actions on the perimeter last season. Mitchell clearly put in a lot of hard work to develop that skill before leaving college. Atlantic. At 6-foot-5, hes a finisher and crafty scorer who can create his own shot. Ultimately, though, a two-way wing with his leaping ability and perceived upside won't last long in this draft so he's hanging on just inside the lottery for me. His ability to attack opens up the offense for others and Bouknight is a capable passer. The first 14 picks in the 2023 NBA Draft will be finalized after the NBA Draft Lottery on May 16. 19. For Bouknight, that means coming to a spot he can potentially offer immediate assistance. The Knicks will be looking for a guard to run their second unit right away. The 2021 NBA Draft is set for Thursday, July 29 at 8:00 p.m. 6 on our board with a draft range that's between 5 and 6. Age:19Height:6-9Weight:225Wingspan:7-2, 2020/21stats: 24G,10.3ppg, 4.0rpg, 4.1apg, 1.5spg, 0.5bpg, 50.3FG% (4.1/8.1), 27.53PT% (0.5/1.7), 62.1FT%, Projections:NBC Sports Washington 5th,Sports Illustrated 6th, Ringer 6th, NBADraft.net 6th, Bleacher Report 7th, Analysis:Barnes is already agood, versatile defender and should be able to contribute at that end of the floor right away. The New York Knicks and Houston Rockets are strong options for the athletic guard. Bouknight missed games this past mid-season with an elbow injury, and his percentage from beyond the arc this season was down (29.3 percent) compared to his freshman season (34.7 percent). Gambling Problem? As the No. Recent first-rounders: PF Obi Toppin (2020), G/F R.J. Barrett (2019), F Kevin Knox (2018) . Prospects are moving up and down the board, including some changes in the top 5. . 2021 Shooting Guards. Ronaldos Saudi legacy hangs in the balance. - DePrisco, Age:20Height:6-5Weight: 190Wingspan:6-8, 2020/21stats: 15G,18.7 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.1spg, 0.3 bpg, 44.7FG% (6.5/14.6), 29.3 3PT% (1.5/4.0), 77.8 FT%, Player comparison:Derrick White, Jordan Clarkson, Projections:NBC Sports Washington 10th,Sports Illustrated 8th, Ringer 19th, NBADraft.net 7th, Bleacher Report 13th, Analysis:Of all the prospects not projected to go in the top ten, James Bouknight might providethe most explosive playmaking ability of the rest of the class. It coincides with Scottie Barnes' recent rise and Bouknight's own flail to the finish line of the G League season. The former G League standout talks family, injuries and his path to the BAL in lieu of Nile Conference play on April 26. James Ham provides his final 2021 NBA mock draft hours before the No. And if his best trait as a prospect is scoring, why are we buying someone who was so inefficient? UConn fans will be tuned in to see where standout James Bouknight ends up. | Hurts changes QB market, NBA playoffs: Celtics vs Hawks odds, Game 2 picks, NBA playoffs: Suns vs Clippers odds, Game 2 picks, NBA playoff picks, best bets: Celtics will hound Young, 2023 NBA playoffs schedule, bracket: Warriors down 2-0, Warriors collapse, Kings flourish in odd role reversal. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for JAMES BOUKNIGHT 2021 PRIZM DRAFT PICKS ROOKIE CARD RC at the best online prices at eBay! His offensive game is strong enough for him to be a contributor in the league from day one while improving the other facets of his game. Instead, he went just 5-of-21 shooting in two games, and he didn't quite catch a rhythm. He also improved as a defender at UConn. He'll be a sparkplug offensive weapon in the NBA and a really, really good one for a long time. All Rights Reserved. Bouknight, who left UConn after his sophomore year, is projected in the top 15, the late-lottery stage, by most draft analysts. at Bouknight is an explosive ball-handler who is strong off the dribble. He hit just 32% of his 3s in two years at UConn, though 80% free throw . Why it makes sense: Were starting at the very top with Bouknight going early in the lottery. Copyright: ESPN Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. Leaf (2017) Getting to the heart of that question is how and why LaMelo Ball last year was ranked No. The 6-foot-5 guard . 09:32 NOW PLAYING. 7 overall selection and Oregon's Chris Duarte with the No. He may be able to crawl into the end of the lottery, but its most likely Bouknight gets drafted in the 15-20 range. 2021: Rd 1, Pk 11 (CHA) . He averaged 17.9 points on 46.1% field-goal shooting and 36.5% from 3 playing for the G League Ignite. Will this translate to Indiana? 2021 Draft Prospects. UConn guard James Bouknight announced his decision to enter the 2021 NBA draft on Wednesday. He made just four of 15 shots, scoring 14 points, in UConns loss to Creighton in the Big East Tournament, then went 6 for 16 with 15 points in the Huskies loss to Maryland in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament.