In professional basketball, draft choices can significantly shape a team’s future, and for the Charlotte Hornets, the selection of James Bouknight with the 11th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft has become a source of ongoing regret. Bouknight was once seen as a promising talent expected to thrive at the NBA level, but his career trajectory has since faltered, marking a costly misjudgment for the franchise.
Bouknight struggled to maintain a steady impact within the Hornets organization, facing difficulties both in performance and consistency. His journey was marked by time spent in the G-League, and ultimately, he parted ways with the team. Analysts widely regard this draft decision as one of Charlotte’s most unfortunate errors in recent memory, reflecting poorly on their ability to capitalize on their pick during that period.
Alperen Sengun Emerges as a Rising Star for the Rockets
While the Hornets have wrestled with the consequences of their draft, Alperen Sengun, chosen 16th overall by the Houston Rockets, has rapidly distinguished himself in the NBA. Earning the nickname Baby Jokic for his playing style reminiscent of Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic, Sengun has developed into a standout player from the 2021 draft class. His efforts culminated in an All-Star nod during the 2024-25 season, solidifying his status as a vital asset to Houston.
Sengun’s versatile skills as a center—combining scoring, rebounding, and playmaking—have made him a foundation piece for the Rockets, who have exceeded expectations partly due to his emergence. For Charlotte, not having a player of Sengun’s abilities has highlighted a significant gap, especially with their ongoing need for a dominant presence in the post.
How the Hornets’ Draft Decisions Affect Their Roster Composition
The repercussions of Charlotte’s draft choices extend beyond Bouknight’s underwhelming impact. Had the Hornets selected Sengun, their roster-building strategy in subsequent drafts might have been markedly different. Securing a center of his caliber could have influenced their decision to draft Mark Williams in 2022, potentially allowing the franchise to focus on skillful players at other positions such as AJ Griffin, Christian Braun, Andrew Nembhard, or Max Christie.
Additionally, this alternate path might have altered their selection of Kai Jones at 19, opening opportunities to draft other talents like Jalen Johnson, Cam Thomas, or Herb Jones. These missed opportunities underscore how critical draft choices shape a team’s long-term competitiveness and highlight how Charlotte might have crafted a very different lineup capable of greater success.
Looking Ahead: Lessons from the Draft and Future Prospects
As the Hornets plan their next moves, the lessons learned from their experience with Bouknight and the contrast with Sengun’s development serve as a vital reminder about making strategic draft decisions. While hindsight clarifies what might have been, the organization now faces the imperative to focus on constructing a cohesive and competitive roster moving forward.
The potential of alternative drafting scenarios still sparks debate among fans and analysts, but the present moment offers Charlotte the chance to apply past lessons toward smarter selections. This reflection may ultimately guide the team toward a more promising future on the court, as they strive to overcome previous setbacks and build a stronger foundation.