Charlotte Hornets' James Bouknight arrested for allegedly driving while impaired: What we know so far
With the NBA season set to kick off this week, the Charlotte Hornets may be without second-year guard James Bouknight at the onset of the season. The 11th overall pick of the 2021 NBA Draft was arrested early Sunday morning after police discovered him unconscious on a parking deck.
#UPDATE: James Bouknight was found unconscious in a parking deck tmz.me/AODT2DN
James Bouknight's arrest continues a troubling trend for both him and the Hornets organization. This marks his fourth driving-related incident since being drafted, including his second in the past week. Reports also indicate that Bouknight was in possession of a firearm at the time of his arrest.
According to the Meck County Sheriff's Office, James Bouknight was also CITED on Oct. 10, Feb. 23, and Nov. 11, 2021 for reckless driving.
That means this was his second offense in the past seven days. twitter.com/WBTV_News/stat…
Despite being a lottery selection, Bouknight didn't receive much playing time as a rookie, appearing in just 31 games. Over 9.8 minutes per game, Bouknight averaged 4.6 points per game, 1.7 rebounds per game, and 0.8 assists per game. He shot 34.8 percent from the field, 34.7 percent from three-point range, and 87.1 percent from the free throw line.
His per-36 numbers, however, were far more impressive as he averaged 16.8 points per 36 minutes, 6.2 rebounds per 36 minutes, and 3.1 assists per 36 minutes. Bouknight was likely due for more minutes in his second season, but it is unclear when he will rejoin the roster.
Bouknight's arrest continues a troubling offseason for the Hornets. Earlier this offseason, Miles Bridges was arrested on felony domestic violence charges after his girlfriend accused him of viciously abusing her in front of their children.
Former Hornet Montrezl Harrell was also arrested on felony drug charges after Kentucky law enforcement found three pounds of marijuana in a car that he was driving.
Check out the Charlotte Hornets statement on James Bouknight's arrest below:
The Charlotte Hornets have released the following statement:
“We are aware of the incident involving James Bouknight and are in the process of gathering additional information. We will have no further comment at this time.”
Will the Charlotte Hornets tank for Victor Wembanyama?
The Charlotte Hornets will be without their top two scorers from 2021-2022 to begin the season. While Miles Bridges remains a free agent due to his previously mentioned felony domestic violence arrest, All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball is expected to miss the beginning of the regular season with a left ankle sprain.
Charlotte Hornets All-Star LaMelo Ball has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 left ankle sprain and is expected to miss time to start the regular season, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
If Ball ends up missing an extended period of time, many expect the Charlotte Hornets to end up near the bottom of the standings. Fortunately for Hornets fans, this is as good of a season as any for a team to tank.
The 2023 NBA Draft is headlined by 7'4 star French center Victor Wembanyama. Many expect Wembanyama to be a future star, as he will enter the league as the most hyped prospect in decades.