James Bouknight appears to be changing his jersey number
Second-year Charlotte Hornets guard James Bouknight appears to be changing his jersey number ahead of the new season. In a now-deleted Instagram story, Bouknight showcased his locker affixed with the number 2 next to his name.
https://twitter.com/_BringTheSting/status/1550130907238977536?s=20&t=KpPxUatDAN22akkF5QtrUg
After a difficult rookie season and an injury in his first full offseason with the team, the number change can hopefully provide Bouknight with some positive mojo.
Rumors of a number change had been circulating for quite some time. While Bouknight wore the No. 2 jersey while in college at UConn, the number was already taken by LaMelo Ball when Bouknight arrived in Charlotte. However, it was widely known that Ball wanted to change to the No. 1 jersey, as he had been unable to have the number when Malik Monk was on the roster. The move seemed inevitable once the Hornets introduced draftees Mark Williams and Bryce McGowens, with Williams having been given the No. 5 jersey.
#Hornets draft pick intros and uniform numbers. pic.twitter.com/9pONnKq4R6
— Rod Boone (@rodboone) June 24, 2022
Bouknight’s professional career has gotten off to a rocky start. He was unable to garner a permanent spot in the rotation a season ago and was involved in a verbal altercation with former coach James Borrego during a game. He also was ejected from his courtside seat while attending a UConn basketball game.
James Bouknight got ejected from the UConn game and went directly to the student section 😂 (via @__haleys) pic.twitter.com/4nE0fPuNUe
— Overtime (@overtime) February 19, 2022
Bouknight was slated to have a significant role on Charlotte’s Summer League team but was unable to participate due to a pinky injury on his shooting hand.
With the Hornets selecting Bryce McGowens and resigning Cody Martin, Bouknight will be a part of a crowded backcourt rotation. The potential is clearly there; he led the Greensboro Swarm in scoring at 21.8 points per game a season ago and had a 24-point performance against the Sacramento Kings in December.
The new jersey number is hopefully the first step towards a resurgent season
After the tough start to Bouknight’s career, both he and Hornets fans are hoping for a reinvigorated performance this season. With his college jersey number now belonging to him, Bouknight can hopefully begin to replicate his collegiate success at the professional level.