Bouknight in OKC could be ‘special’
James Bouknight could see himself fitting in quite nicely with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The UConn product discussed becoming a highly touted NBA Draft prospect in a Monday media availability, saying he's worked out with the New Orleans, Charlotte, Orlando, Golden State and especially the Thunder, which he said he's had a great relationship with this offseason.
Bouknight even had dinner with Thunder general manager Sam Presti and front office executives in OKC.
“I've actually been talking to OKC a lot,” Bouknight said. “I had a great workout. They have a great organization, they've got a young team, and I can see myself fitting in with them. Definitely.”
Bouknight has skyrocketed from general unknown to one of the top NBA prospects after playing two years for the Huskies. The 6-foot-5 shooting guard played just 15 games during the 2020-21 season, but he averaged 18.7 points and 5.7 rebounds per game.
With the Thunder having the No. 6 pick on Thursday, analysts have speculated that Bouknight is a leading candidate. ESPN's Jonathan Givony, who has Bouknight landing in Oklahoma City,
reported that OKC visited Bouknight twice in Miami to see his workouts.
Bouknight, 20, said he likes the Thunder’s youth, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort and Darius Bazley being 23 or younger.
Bouknight said he envisions a situation where he and Gilgeous-Alexander share a backcourt, saying they can be an elite duo.
“Me and Shai in the backcourt, I feel like that would be like a deadly, young backcourt,” Bouknight said. “And then you put Dort in there, I think us being so young, that could be real special, something really special.”
The Brooklyn native has been deemed one of the best scorers in the draft class. A duo of Bouknight and Gilgeous-Alexander, who averaged 23.7 points last season, is something the former UConn star can really get behind.
“We can really build something in Oklahoma,” Bouknight said.