Atlanta Hawks fans should be patient with rookie Kobe Bufkin

Bufkin can learn behind Atlanta Hawks veterans

Bufkin has the tools and upside to be a great scorer and defender at the NBA level, but he is still raw and needs development. The good news for Bufkin is that the Hawks have a ton of veteran guards for him to learn behind. In mid-March last season, Atlanta extended Bogdan Bogdanovic to a four-year,$68 million extension. He along with veteran guard Patty Mills should help him develop. Of course, Bufkin will also be able to learn behind Murray and Young.

With that said, there is no pressure on Bufkin to perform right away, but he does have the ability to be a big rotational piece right away. It is unclear where Bufkin fits in the rotation, but Quin Snyder should give him some run early on. The preseason and training camp is another opportunity for Bufkin to improve and learn. With the upside Bufkin possesses, there is no doubt the front office in Atlanta is happy with this pick.

Atlanta took Bufkin knowing he was a player in need of development, but he is in the right situation to learn from some veterans and maximize his skillset. Every young player needs a veteran they can learn behind and Bufkin has plenty to learn from. With that said, it may take Bufkin a season or two to break out and become the player that the Hawks envision.

There is no doubt he is going to have growing pains, but that is why patience is key for his development and growth.