2021 NBA Mock Draft 4.0: Pistons make right choice, movement in top-10
. G. Oklahoma City Thunder. James Bouknight. 6. player. 149
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 6. James Bouknight, Oklahoma City Thunder
The James Bouknight buzz is getting louder and louder, and it would appear he’s a real possibility for OKC at six. That would leave the high upside of Jonathan Kuminga on the board, but it’s not unwise for the Thunder to invest in a high-caliber backcourt partner for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Next to Jalen Green, Bouknight is far and away the best guard scorer in the draft.
The 3-point shot was a concern at UConn, but by all indications, Bouknight has soothed concerns about his shot in workouts. He’s a very natural scorer, with shifty athleticism and a deep bag of tricks. He creates separation with ease, and should the jumper pan out, there’s every reason to believe he can become a reasonable first or second option in the NBA.
The Thunder have plenty of assets invested on the defensive end, with Luguentz Dort and a host of versatile young forwards on the roster already. Bouknight is 6-foot-4, but has a 6-foot-8 wingspan. He would form a long backcourt with Gilgeous-Alexander, and would not sacrifice the positional versatility OKC has worked hard to build up. At some point, the Thunder need someone other than SGA to score, and Bouknight helps greatly in that department.
BIG BOARD RANKING: 7