NBA Draft Betting Odds: James Bouknight Won’t Fall Past Warriors in Latest Predictions
By Peter Dewey
It’s hard to find a prospect who’s draft stock has risen as much as University of Connecticut guard James Bouknight’s has in recent weeks.
Last week, I wrote about Bouknight moving his way into the top 10 in the odds at WynnBET, but it appears now that he is a lock to land in the top seven in Thursday’s draft.
WynnBET has Bouknight’s projected draft position currently at 7.5 with the under (-180) as an overwhelming favorite to the over (+160). Bouknight has been rumored to be in the conversation for the Oklahoma City Thunder at No. 6 as well as the Golden State Warriors at No. 7.
The UConn product likes his fit with both teams, and at this point it’s hard to see him slipping past the Warriors’ selection, especially considering Golden State has two lottery picks and is likely looking to take the best talent available at No. 7.
James Bouknight on the Warriors: "I'd fit right in. Playing with Steph, Klay and Draymond, (I'm) someone who can play off the ball and maybe relieve some tension. Then coming in as a reserve, me and Jordan Poole can be a great 1-2 punch off the bench, great scoring combo." pic.twitter.com/zgrbDfQyCE
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) July 27, 2021
James Bouknight on his fit with OKC: "Me and Shai in the backcourt, I feel like that can be a deadly young backcourt. Then you put Dort in there, I feel like that can be something special. We could build something in Oklahoma."
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) July 26, 2021
Bouknight is a natural scorer, as he averaged 18.7 points per game last season but there are some concerns for him as a playmaker. The 20-year-old averaged just 1.8 assists to 2.8 turnovers per game last season, and while UConn did not do the greatest job in terms of surrounding him with shooters, Bouknight will have to see the floor better at the NBA level.
He also took a step back as a 3-point shooter, although the difference doesn’t seem as bad when you look at his totals from his freshman season (25-for-72 from 3) to his sophomore campaign (22-for-75 from 3). If he were to land in Golden State, the Warriors have plenty of shooting when Klay Thompson is healthy to make up for whatever Bouknight may lack in his rookie season.
However, Bouknight’s shooting reportedly was impressive during the pre-draft process, and it could be a major reason why he has surged up draft boards this offseason.
James Bouknight has helped himself as much as any prospect in the pre-draft process, shooting the lights out at his pro day in Chicago, measuring well, and proceeding to continue his strong momentum in private workouts, according to @DraftExpress >> https://t.co/JMoWECIKN3 pic.twitter.com/9IY2sZ2tDh
— DraftExpressContent (@DXContent) July 25, 2021
If you were able to get Bouknight when his projected spot was at 9.5, you’re sitting pretty right now. There still is some value in the under on his 7.5 projection given Oklahoma City’s interest, but bettors need to beware that laying that -180 juice does come with a little risk.
Think Bouknight is a lock to land top seven? Get in on the action with the WynnBET app in New Jersey, Indiana or Colorado.