The 2021 NBA Draft heralded the arrival of some of the most promising young talents in the league. However, within just one year, five players from this draft class found themselves entangled in controversies that not only shook their budding careers but also brought unwanted attention to the teams that drafted them.
Jalen Green
Jalen Green, the second overall pick of the 2021 NBA draft by the Houston Rockets, found himself in the midst of controversy during the offseason. The cause of the uproar was an NSFW video featuring Green and his then-teammate, Josh Christopher, the 21st pick of the same draft class. The video went viral, sparking discussions and garnering attention across the NBA community.
The NSFW video, initially shared on social media, raised eyebrows due to its explicit content. While the video initially circulated on X, an extended version later appeared on YouTube, providing clearer evidence of Green and Christopher’s involvement. However, the timing of the video remained unclear, as the room depicted resembled a dorm for students.
https://twitter.com/DFSjay5/status/1674890261099433985
Jalen Green and Josh Christopher, both products of the Houston Rockets‘ 2021 draft picks, were teammates for two seasons. Christopher, after being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of the Dillon Brooks deal, was subsequently waived but signed by the Utah Jazz on a two-way contract.
As the controversy unfolded, both Green and Christopher opted to remain silent on the matter. The NBA community and personalities initially reacted to the video, but the focus has since shifted to other players, notably Josh Giddey, who now faces their own set of allegations. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges and scrutiny that young athletes can face as they navigate the complexities of professional sports. The fallout from such controversies often extends beyond the players involved, impacting the reputation of the teams and the league as a whole.
Kai Jones
Kai Jones, the third-year center for the Charlotte Hornets, has recently become embroiled in a series of controversies, leading to his indefinite absence from the team and eventual waiver. The unfolding events have left fans and the basketball community puzzled and concerned about the promising player’s future in the NBA.
The troubles for Jones began with a series of bizarre social media posts, raising eyebrows among fans and team management alike. The Charlotte Hornets announced that Jones would miss training camp due to personal reasons, and coach Steve Clifford refrained from addressing questions regarding the player’s peculiar online behavior during the team’s annual media luncheon.
One of the viral posts in question was an Instagram video where Jones appeared visibly distressed, sweating profusely, and delivering indiscernible speech. Another post saw him making bold claims, stating he was better than LeBron James and openly criticizing teammates Nick Richards and Mark Williams. These posts added an unsettling dimension to Jones’s already unconventional social media presence.
Further speculation arose when Jones participated in an Instagram live session that left fans concerned about his well-being. During the live stream, Jones spoke unintelligibly, laughed, and exhibited erratic behavior, prompting NBA Reddit users to speculate whether he was under the influence of drugs, particularly Ecstasy/Molly. The situation escalated when it was confirmed that Jones’ teammates unfollowed him on social media after the incident.
Kai Jones might need to be drug tested by the morning dawg pic.twitter.com/yPgqNQSOtD
— ²³𝙻𝚎𝙱𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚜🏀☄️🌎💞 (@BronGotGame) September 7, 2023
The climax of this controversy unfolded when Kai Jones, seemingly frustrated with his situation, publicly requested a trade on social media. In response, the Charlotte Hornets made the decision to waive him, marking the end of his tenure with the team. This move not only put Jones in a challenging position to find a new team but also raised questions about his future prospects in the league.
Despite his young age and potential for growth on the court, Jones’ limited impact during his two years with the Hornets and his off-court behavior may pose obstacles in securing a new opportunity. His activity on social media, coupled with the recent controversies, has created a narrative that he must overcome to prove himself as a valuable asset on the basketball court.
James Bouknight
James Bouknight, the Charlotte Hornets guard, has faced a series of legal and professional challenges that significantly impacted his career trajectory. The most recent incident involved a DWI arrest, where he was found intoxicated and unconscious in his vehicle, holding a gun with the engine running. The police report detailed Bouknight’s unresponsiveness to attempts to wake him, followed by a collision with two police cars after finally leaving his vehicle. A breathalyzer test revealed a blood-alcohol content of 0.14, surpassing North Carolina’s legal limit.
Bouknight’s legal troubles extended beyond the DWI incident, with pending court dates for charges related to speeding, reckless driving, and wanton disregard in three separate incidents. The Hornets took swift action by declining Bouknight’s fourth-year option, a clear indication of the organization’s stance on his recent behavior. This decision places Bouknight on track to become an unrestricted free agent in the upcoming summer, adding uncertainty to his future in the NBA.
TMZ acquired a picture of James Bouknight passed out in his car with a bag of Doritos and a Glock handgun in his lap before he was arrested for DWI pic.twitter.com/x3ClgxcCDB
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 19, 2022
The guard acknowledged the distraction caused by his arrest, expressing disappointment and apologizing to his teammates. Bouknight emphasized his commitment to learning from the experience, growing, and moving forward. Despite the challenges, he highlighted the support he received from Hornets coach Steve Clifford, indicating a positive mentorship that he values.
Bouknight’s career, marked by off-court incidents, including a previous alcohol-related incident during his time at the University of Connecticut, faces a pivotal moment. A knee injury in the preseason further complicates his immediate prospects on the court, leaving him to navigate a critical juncture in his professional journey. As an unrestricted free agent next summer, Bouknight’s path forward in the NBA remains uncertain.
Joshua Primo
Joshua Primo, the 20-year-old guard who was selected as the 12th pick in the 2021 NBA draft by the San Antonio Spurs, has faced a tumultuous journey in the league. After two seasons with the Spurs, Primo’s career took a dark turn when he was waived by the team on October 28, 2022. The initial reason provided by the Spurs was Primo seeking mental health support for trauma.
However, subsequent revelations emerged, alleging that Primo had exposed himself to multiple women, including female staff members associated with the Spurs. The civil lawsuit filed against Primo, including accusations from the team’s sports psychologist, was settled in November. Despite the legal resolution, the NBA conducted its investigation, resulting in a four-game suspension for Primo for “conduct detrimental.”
The NBA is suspending free agent guard Josh Primo for four games for what it will term as "conduct detrimental," sources tell ESPN. The Spurs waived Primo a year ago.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 29, 2023
Recent reports suggest that Primo is preparing to make a return to the NBA with a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Clippers. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Clippers, after consultation with specialists, are comfortable giving Primo this opportunity, signaling a chance for the young guard to resume his career. Throughout this challenging period, Primo has expressed a commitment to addressing his mental health and seeking treatment, emphasizing the importance of privacy during this process.
Josh Giddey
The sixth overall pick by the OKC Thunder, Josh Giddey, found himself embroiled in controversy when viral footage surfaced, allegedly showing him in intimate proximity to a high school girl rumored to be his girlfriend.
As the video circulated on social media, questions arose about the appropriateness of Giddey’s actions. Giddey has not publicly commented on the controversy, and the NBA has not yet taken any action against him. However, the video has led to calls for the league to investigate the matter and take appropriate disciplinary action if necessary.
https://twitter.com/wstgoat7/status/1727608780777456070
The controversy has also damaged Giddey’s reputation and has cast a shadow over his promising young career. Giddey is considered to be one of the most talented young players in the NBA, and he was expected to be a key part of the Thunder’s future. However, the controversy has raised concerns about his character and judgment, and it is unclear how it will affect his career moving forward.
The controversy surrounding Josh Giddey is a complex and sensitive issue. It is important to remember that the allegations against Giddey have not been proven, and he is innocent until proven guilty. However, the video is disturbing and raises serious concerns about his behavior. The NBA is right to investigate the matter, and it is important that they take appropriate action if they find that Giddey has violated the league’s personal conduct policy.
The NBA Needs To Educate Young Players
The recent spate of controversies involving young NBA players underscores the urgent need for the league to prioritize education for its emerging talents. NBA players are not just athletes; they are influential figures and role models for countless fans, especially the younger generation. Incidents like those involving Jalen Green, Kai Jones, James Bouknight, Joshua Primo, and Josh Giddey not only tarnish the image of the individuals involved but also impact the league’s reputation.
It’s imperative for the NBA to take proactive measures in educating young talents about the challenges that come with fame and wealth. Establishing mandatory classes or workshops covering topics such as responsible behavior, privacy, and financial management can equip players with the tools needed to navigate their newfound status. The league should leverage the experiences of seasoned veterans like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry, who have not only excelled on the court but have also demonstrated exemplary conduct off it.
Public statements and guidance from these respected players can carry significant weight, providing valuable insights into maintaining a positive public image and making wise decisions in private. Emphasizing respect, integrity, and responsibility in both professional and personal spheres can contribute to a more wholesome and positive image for the NBA and its players. By fostering a culture of mentorship and education, the league can empower its rising stars to make informed choices and uphold the league’s standards of professionalism.
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