The Boston Celtics still have a roster spot open, which means there’s still another move that’ll happen at some point.

It could be something internal, like promoting Neemias Queta to the 15-man roster from his two-way contract with Maine. Or it could be a player added from the buyout market, which is suddenly filling up. A player that has caught my eye is James Bouknight.

Bouknight was drafted 11th overall in the 2021 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets, who have officially waived him today, making him a free agent in the buyout market. He’s a solid combo guard that can play the forward position when needed (6-foot-5, 190 lbs.).

Bouknight is shooting 43.9% from the field and 43.3% from behind the arc this season. He has the skills to be an impactful player and is still young enough to give him the chance to prove himself, similarly to how Brad Stevens feels about acquiring Jaden Springer and using the trade deadline as a tool to get younger players in their system.

He missed the beginning of the season due to a meniscus surgery after getting hurt in practice on Oct. 5. Bouknight made his season debut on Nov. 28, scoring five-points in five minutes of play. He’s only played in 13 games since but it’s not injury related (DNPCD).

During Bouknight’s time in Charlotte, he was working in behind Ish Smith, Isaiah Thomas, Terry Rozier, LaMelo Ball, and Dennis Smith Jr. Although a lot of these players aren’t there anymore, I think a change of scenery will be good for Bouknight.

It’s worth mentioning that Bouknight is a local guy, as he transferred from La Salle Academy in Manhattan, New York to MacDuffie School in Granby, Massachusetts after reclassifying to do so.

In all, Bouknight could be a player GM Brad Stevens takes a flyer on for many of the same reasons he did on Jaden Springer.

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