The Trail Blazers have officially signed NBA free agent guard James Bouknight to an Exhibit 10 contract for training camp, the team announced in a press release.
Bouknight, 23, was the No. 11 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft by the Hornets, but was never able to become a regular rotation piece. He carries career averages of 4.8 points on just 36 percent shooting, including 34 percent on 3-pointers, in 79 NBA appearances.
Along with that, he ran into some legal issues, getting arrested for a DWI at the start of last season. He then underwent surgery for a meniscus injury in October, delaying his debut in 2023-24.
Charlotte waived Bouknight in February, sending him into free agency. He went unsigned until Tuesday.
Given that Bouknight signed an Exhibit 10 deal, he’s likely next headed for the Rip City Remix of the G League.
Portland wraps up the preseason Friday with a home game against the Jazz. The Blazers open the regular season on Wednesday, Oct. 23, vs. the Warriors. That game is also in Portland.
So far, their backcourt rotation primarily consists of Scoot Henderson, Anfernee Simons and Dalano Banton, as well as Shaedon Sharpe who plays both small forward and shooting guard (when healthy). So perhaps Bouknight will get a real opportunity to tap into what was once viewed as an NBA upside.
Portland finished 21-61 last season, last in the Western Conference. Another rebuilding year is likely on the way.
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