BJ Boston Might Benefit With An Additional Year At Kentucky
Kentucky has a long, storied history of producing elite NBA stars. However, for every Devin Booker and Karl Anthony-Towns, there are also Aaron and Andrew Harrison’s. Looking at BJ Boston, he’s definitely more Harrison twins than Booker or Towns. Does his decision to enter the NBA Draft seal his fate as a bust?
Boston was the top-ranked shooting guard of the 2020 high school class. He beat out likely top-3 pick, Evan Mobley, for California high school player of the year. Boston played on a loaded Sierra Canyon team that featured Bronny James and Zaire Wade, averaging 19.7 points and 7 rebounds. It was all set up for Boston to be a likely top-5 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.
Now, he’s fighting to stay in the 1st round.
His freshman season at Kentucky was an absolute disaster. Boston shot a dismal .355 from the field. Inconsistent play from Boston was a major factor in Kentucky’s down year. He was looked upon to be the guy that would lead them to a Final Four. Blame it on a Covid-plagued year if you want, but, in terms of disappointing freshman years, Boston’s might be at the top of the list.
You can’t be expecting an NBA team to have Boston highly ranked. But, his high school pedigree might keep him in the first round. Scouts know his pure potential, as with most Kentucky products. There’s still a reason for optimism. It’s not out of the realm of possibility he does exceed his college play at the NBA level.
Boston has a lot of the intangibles scouts and GM’s love. He’s 6’7 and knows how to play the passing lanes. His poor 3-point shooting showed a small improvement during SEC play. To say he’s not going to at least show some progression in the NBA would be unfair. Question is, would he be better off staying in college?
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The Kentucky model for the top prospects in a one-and-done. Boston might want to buck that trend. Right now, Kentucky has commitments from 5-Star Center, Daimion Collins, 4-Star Power Forward, Bryce Hopkins, and 4-Star Point Guard, Nolan Hickman. Coach Calipari has added Davidson standout Kellan Grady via the transfer portal. The Wildcats will likely lose Oliver Saar, Isiah Jackson, and Terrance Clarke. If I’m B.J. Boston, I’d stay given these circumstances.
With all the firepower Kentucky is losing in Saar, Jackson, and Clarke, keeping Boston, who can add strength and improve on his shooting, and pairing him with one of collegiate basketball’s best transfers in Grady, that’s a duo most teams wouldn’t be able to prepare for. This would be the time for him to really showcase his improved play, especially because Grady will be the one setting him up.
With all that being taken into consideration, it does seem Boston is committed to the NBA Draft. You can’t blame him for trying to make the money. But, for a guy who has obvious 1st round talent, having him projected as a late-1st or maybe 2nd round pick, he’d be wise to wait a year and improve his stock.
Nothing is guaranteed in pro sports. Boston could stay and suffer a season-ending injury. However, he could stay and increase his stock to a guaranteed top-5 pick. By staying in this draft, B.J. Boston is fighting to earn a guaranteed NBA contract. It could pay off, but that’s not always a guarantee.
Image Source: Adam Haste
Daniel is a guru of baseball and basketball prospects. He’s a very experienced Amusement Park traveler as well. Follow him and his hot takes on Insta @dgentleman9288
