James Bouknight #2 of the Charlotte Hornets
The Portland Trail Blazers are taking a chance on former Charlotte Hornets guard James Bouknight, signing him to an Exhibit 10 contract, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto. Bouknight, the 11th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, will look to find his footing after spending three seasons in Charlotte where he struggled to carve out a significant role.
Bouknight’s Journey in the NBA
During his tenure with the Hornets, Bouknight appeared in 79 games, averaging 4.8 points and 1.7 rebounds per game while shooting 36.3% from the field and 33.5% from three-point range. Though the former lottery pick showed flashes of his potential, he never quite lived up to the high expectations set for him. In February 2024, Charlotte decided to waive Bouknight, leaving him on the market and in search of a new opportunity.
Bouknight had an impressive two-year college career at UConn, where he averaged 15 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game, shooting 45.6% from the field. That potential led Charlotte to select him in the lottery, but the guard struggled to find consistency at the NBA level.
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What Bouknight Brings to Portland
For Portland, the signing of Bouknight comes as the team looks to continue building depth for their young roster. While the Exhibit 10 contract does not guarantee Bouknight a spot on the main roster, it offers him an opportunity to show what he can do. The most likely outcome is that Bouknight will be cut ahead of the regular season and assigned to the Trail Blazers’ G League affiliate, the Rip City Remix.
Bouknight has proven he can be effective in the G League, averaging 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal per game in his stints with the Greensboro Swarm. His shooting percentages were also strong during those seasons, hitting 45.3% from the field and 41.8% from beyond the arc. Those numbers suggest Bouknight has the skillset to contribute if given the right opportunity.
Portland’s Outlook for the Upcoming Season
The Blazers enter the 2024-25 season with a fresh roster and renewed optimism. The team has undergone several key changes, including drafting UConn standout Donovan Clingan with the seventh overall pick and trading Malcolm Brogdon for Washington Wizards forward Deni Avdija. Second-year guard Scoot Henderson is also expected to take on a larger role, and the team hopes he will make a significant leap in his development.
While Bouknight may not play a major role in Portland’s immediate plans, the team could benefit from his presence in the G League and, potentially, as a depth option. The Blazers, who finished with a 21-61 record last season, will be looking to make incremental improvements while developing their young core.
Bouknight’s future in the NBA may be uncertain, but he has an opportunity in Portland to showcase his talents and potentially work his way back to a stable role in the league. With two preseason games left, he’ll aim to make an impression and show that he still belongs in the NBA.
The Bottom Line
Though Bouknight’s NBA career has yet to take off, his signing with the Portland Trail Blazers gives him a chance to continue his development. The Blazers, focused on building around their young stars, may find a valuable asset in Bouknight, whether as a G League standout or a future bench contributor. As the team looks toward the 2024-25 season, Bouknight’s journey will be one to watch.
