2021 NBA Draft: Mock 2.0, star power, trades, big risers

Evan Mobley, Jalen Suggs, Knicks, NBA Draft.(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Evan Mobley, Jalen Suggs, Knicks, NBA Draft.(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
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NBA Draft
James Bouknight, NBA Draft. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

2021 NBA Draft Mock 2.0: Memphis Grizzlies loading up on scoring and draft James Bouknight

The Memphis Grizzlies are building something big. This is a team with a really nice balance of youth and core role players in the prime.

The Grizzlies already have some nice complementary 2-guard/wing scorers on the roster with Desmond Bane and De’Anthony Melton, but Bouknight could turn this team into all-gas-no-breaks.

NBA Draft – James Bouknight NBA player comparisons

  • Bradley Beal shot creation
  • Jordan Clarkson
  • O.J. Mayo

James Bouknight is a silky-smooth scoring 2-guard. At 6’5, Bouknight has nice height for his position, and he moves incredibly well.

Bouknight has the knack for scoring. He has a nice, medium-sized Telfar bag of moves that aren’t overly flashy but still stand out. Hesitations, in-and-outs, double crossovers, Bouknight not only uses moves to create separation, he can hit difficult shots coming off of them.

A really nice first step and understanding of his spots on the floor, I am a strong believer that Bouknight can become an effective instant-offense scorer in the NBA, and the Grizzlies have to be excited about his potential pairing with Ja Morant.

Bouknight isn’t a facilitator – he doesn’t have a knack for finding open teammates. In today’s NBA where you need to “flash” a little bit of everything and be a combo-hybrid-point-forward-guard, it’s probably hurt his stock a bit, but that doesn’t mean he can’t grow in that area down the line.

Bouknight has a slender frame and will need to adjust to the strength of the NBA.

If he can continue to bulk up, he can be an effective 2-way player. He’s had struggles on defense but he the lateral quickness to grow into a good backcourt defender.

If Bouknight can develop into a microwave shooter alongside Ja Morant, the Grizzlies will have a fearsome backcourt tandem for years to come.