1 Floor, 1 realistic, 1 dream player comparison for Hawks’ Kobe Bufkin
By Tyler Watts
Dream comparison: Bradley Beal
Both Beal and Bufkin measured 6’4 with a 6’8 wingspan. The three-time NBA All-Star was 15 pounds heavier back in the 2012 combine, but he also put up similar college stats to the Hawks rookie. Beal scored and rebounded slightly more, but Bufkin had a minor edge in assists and field goal percentage.
The Wizards selected Beal third overall in 2012 and instantly made him a starter. He slowly blossomed into one of the league’s best scorers, and he has put up over 22.5 points per game for seven straight years. The 30-year-old wing is a three-time All-Star on a max contract that has twice averaged over 30 points a night for a season.
Can Kobe Bufkin blossom into one of the league’s elite scorers? It cannot be ruled out. He showed flashes both on and off the ball at the University of Michigan, but how quickly can he translate that to the NBA? Bufkin has the potential to be a better defender than Maxey or Beal if he reaches his ceiling, which would make him a perennial All-Star candidate.
Atlanta Hawks fans should be excited to watch Kobe Bufkin in summer league because it will be their first chance to see him put on the uniform and shine. The teenager needs time to develop, but he could be viewed as the steal of this draft ten years from now. Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting ride.
