James Bouknight is shooting up draft boards and appears likely to be a top-10 pick in the upcoming draft. The UConn guard is aware of the hype and where he’s currently being projected in mock drafts.
“Of course I see it,” Bouknight told FortyEightMinutes and other media on Monday while adding that he’s not stressing over any projections.
Oklahoma City is one of the teams with interest in Bouknight. President of basketball operations Sam Presti took the 6-foot-5 guard out to dinner when he came to visit Oklahoma City for his workout.
“I feel like honestly, I could play with any players, any coach, in any system…Me and Shai in the backcourt…that could be something really special,” Bouknight said when asked specifically about his fit with the Thunder.
Bouknight added the Warriors took him out for a private dinner in addition to meeting with him. The Magic—owners of the No. 5 and No. 8 pick—have had him in for a workout. The Pelicans and Hornets also spent time with the 20-year-old prospect.
The guard has also been linked to the Knicks, who are reportedly looking to move up into the top-10 of the draft. However, the guard hasn’t worked out for the franchise.
OKC holds the No. 6 pick in the upcoming draft and if they stay put, Bouknight might very well be the selection. However, as Jonathan Givony of ESPN relays, the team remains to determined to find a way to move up in Thursday’s NBA Draft, with eyes on Oklahoma State guard Cade Cunningham and USC center Evan Mobley.
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More NBA Draft Rumors
- The Celtics have had discussions with the Pelicans about acquiring the No. 10 overall pick as part of a trade that brings Eric Bledsoe to Boston, per Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson of Bally Sports. The framework of the deal would send Marcus Smart and a future draft pick to New Orleans in exchange. David Griffin & Co. are motivated to send out Bledsoe in a deal that brings back another veteran player.
- G League Ignite guard Jalen Green being selected No. 2 overall in Thursday’s NBA Draft appears to be gaining traction with Jonathan Givony of ESPN hearing that Green going to Houston is a “lock.” The shooting guard has only worked out for two teams: the Pistons and Rockets.
- Jalen Suggs remains the favorite to be drafted by the Raptors. However, according to Givony, the team is taking hard looks at several other prospects, including Florida State’s Scottie Barnes. We reported that Toronto was strongly considering Barnes over the weekend.
- Franz Wagner is gaining traction within the Kings’ organization should Sacramento remain at No. 9 in the draft, per Givony. However, the Kings are making their selection available in trade talks around the league.
- It appears likely that the Cavaliers will select Evan Mobley at No. 3 should he be available at that spot. Cleveland has been pondering the idea of Mobley and Jarrett Allen sharing the backcourt quite a bit since the season ended.
