Young players in the NBA have some of the most interesting situations. There are guys who start day one and have the weight of the franchise on their shoulders. Others are rotational pieces. The last group might not see the floor much at all. James Bouknight falls into that last group. Bouknight was the first pick off the board this past summer and seemed like a perfect fit alongside LaMelo Ball and the rest of the Charlotte Hornets. So far, he has only played the garbage time of games or if someone is hurt.
It's actually perfect for him.
Some rookies have no choice but to be baptized by fire. Bouknight has the opportunity to sit behind veterans and learn. The Hornets roster features Ball, Terry Rozier, Miles Bridges, Gordon Hayward, and a few others who are perfect mentors for his game. All of them know that he's a capable player as well.
Bouknight has mentioned that all of them tell him to just stay ready. Rookies and young players probably hear that all the time, but when that moment comes, are you going to be ready to seize the moment? When Bouknight has played more than 20 minutes, he's had a couple of double digit games.
James Bouknight has bought into his situation as well. After dropping 18 point in a loss vs. the Toronto Raptors, he had this to say about his night:
“This all a testament to the type of teammates I have. They just tell; me to stay ready & I have a coaching staff that believes in me. It feels good of course, but I wanna stay ready and take advantage of all opportunities. Whether that is five or 25 minutes.”
Being ready for the moment is always important. Bouknight relishes any opportunity possible, so he'll be just fine. He even chipped in with 13 points to help the Hornets set a franchise record 158!
The young core of the Hornets is even stronger with a piece like Bouknight being added to it. Might be a matter of time before he is finds himself in the game a lot more. With the Gordon Hayward entering health and safety protocols, he'll see the floor with the second unit that usually enters the game mid way through first quarters. Let's sit back and enjoy the show.
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