A first-round pick of the Charlotte Hornets back in 2021, guard James Bouknight was expected to take on a larger role for the team as a sophomore.
That’s now clearly up in the air following a troubling off-court situation leading up to their regular-season opener against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday.
Several reports earlier on Monday indicated that Bouknight was arrested on DUI charges in Mecklenburg County over the weekend. We now have more information on this, and it’s not great.
According to WBTV in Charlotte, Bouknight was arrested around 12:44 am Sunday morning after authorities found him unconscious in a parking lot in Uptown Charlotte. Police confirmed to the outlet that authorities also confiscated a Glock 23 with 40 mm during the arrest.
“According to information from the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office, Bouknight was booked into jail at 1:51 a.m. on Sunday on the DWI charge. Bouknight’s bond was set at $2,500.”
WBTV report on James Bouknight’s recent arrest
This is a latest string of incidents involving Bouknight since Charlotte made him the No. 11 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. According to the WBTV report, Bouknight had been in the radar of local authorities several times dating back to November of 2021
- Reckless driving-wanton disregard (Nov. 11, 2021)
- Reckless driving-wanton disregard (February 23, 2022)
- Reckless driving to endanger (October 10, 2022)
James Bouknight represents the latest Charlotte Hornets off-court incident
It was on the eve of free agency this past summer that star Hornets forward Miles Bridges was charged in Los Angeles County with domestic violence and child abuse. That came amid Bridges set to earn a huge pay day on the open market.
The details of the alleged incident are pretty damn alarming, leading to suggestions that Bridges has played his final game in the NBA. He was set to appear in court on Monday.
As for Bouknight and what this might mean for him moving forward, it remains to be seen. But the Hornets made it clear earlier on Monday that they are aware of the incident.
“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,” Charlotte Hornets statement on Bouknight incident.
A star in college with the Connecticut Huskies, Bouknight averaged 4.6 points on 35% shooting during what was a disappointing rookie season for the Brooklyn native.