WATCH: Hornets’ James Bouknight receives new leg tattoo
By Adam Taylor
James Bouknight’s career with the Charlotte Hornets has yet to take off as many of us had hoped. Since entering the NBA, Bouknight has struggled to adjust to the pace and physicality of the league. However, the former UCONN standout could still figure things out and become a key rotation player for the Hornets.
Bouknight may be struggling on the court, but he knows what he wants off it. During a recent YouTube video from Tidal League, Bouknight can be seen discussing his desire to become the most tattooed player in the NBA while having work done on a leg sleeve.
"“The most tatted you in the NBA in a couple of years? Yeah. You’ve seen how tight John Wall is, right? I think I’m going to catch up. Yeah, bro,” Bouknight can be seen telling a member of Tidal League."
Tattoos are nothing new in the NBA. Players from multiple eras have donned fine body art during their careers, with former Miami Heat big man Chris Anderson, AKA Birdman, the most memorable of the bunch. However, body art has become far more mainstream over the past two decades and is now seen as a form of self-expression among athletes and everyday members of society.
Unfortunately for Bouknight, being one of the most inked players in the league isn’t going to be enough to ensure he receives a second NBA contract. As such, Hornets fans will be looking for some marked improvement from the 22-year-old, who has played in just 65 games since being drafted with the 11th pick in 2021.
When looking at the Hornets’ current roster, there should be more than enough opportunities for Bouknight to impress next season in an attempt to earn himself a bigger role in the team – unless Mitch Kupchak adds a new sharpshooter to the ranks. To do that, though, Bouknight will likely need to improve his perimeter scoring off the catch and develop some additional strength so that he can finish through contact.