Charlotte Hornets: 5 bold predictions for the 2021-22 season
By Jason Huber
![Oct 11, 2021; Miami, Florida, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (2) and head coach James Borrego talk during a time out in the first half against the Miami Heat at FTX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-USA TODAY Sports Oct 11, 2021; Miami, Florida, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (2) and head coach James Borrego talk during a time out in the first half against the Miami Heat at FTX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/e40b24cb20efd70fe18d363452336abb2590d02dc2f86fc0d2b460833d0de059.jpg)
Charlotte Hornets Bold Predictions: James Bouknight named to NBA All-Rookie first team
It might be too big of a stretch to boldly predict James Bouknight winning Rookie of the Year, especially after LaMelo Ball won last season, but it’s not a huge stretch to suggest that he makes the All-Rookie first team.
This year’s rookie class has some very talented guards, so Bouknight will have to hope he receives a lot of minutes to prove his worth.
But if he can come off the bench and score double-digit points throughout the year, he could make voters choose him over another top guard like Jalen Green, Cade Cunningham or Davion Mitchell.
Jalen Suggs, Josh Giddey and Moses Moody should also give Bouknight a run for his money as the better guards in this draft class but Bouknight slipped in this year’s draft and he should have a big chip on his shoulder.
The only downfall is if Bouknight doesn’t receive as many minutes as his fellow rookie class but it sure seems like he’ll be needed after the losses of Devonte’ Graham and Malik Monk.
Talent and scoring ability are there, so Bouknight might be an underrated pick to make the first team.