The Atlanta Hawks have been the most unpredictable NBA team this offseason. After a series of incredible pickups, most assumed the roster was set heading into the 2025-26 regular season.
On a random Monday afternoon, they proved analysts wrong once again, trading away promising young guard Kobe Bufkin to the Brooklyn Nets for cash considerations.
This was met with a wide range of reactions from the media. Some loved it, crediting Atlanta for recognizing that Bufkin was never going to reach his full potential there, but others could not wrap their heads around them not at least getting a second-round pick in return.
Along with the subpar return, Atlanta is now left with a significant hole in their lineup. Kobe Bufkin was one of just two traditional point guards on the 15-man roster. It was him and 4-time All-Star Trae Young.
While it is true that Atlanta now lacks a traditional backup one, the idea that they are left with nobody able to facilitate in the second unit is false. They were ready to head into the season with a number of wings set to take on that upgraded role. The harsh truth is that Bufkin was not going to be in the main rotation regardless.
Atlanta has faith in their current roster
The organization now has several options available. The most realistic is that they stick with their internal options. The front office was strategic in acquiring combo guards this offseason, along with trusting that Dyson Daniels and Jalen Johnson could take another playmaking leap.
Luke Kennard, who Atlanta signed to a one-year, $11 million deal this summer, has been an underrated playmaker his entire career. He and Dyson Daniels are the favorites to lead the second unit when Trae Young goes to the bench.
Two other internal options to be Atlanta's non-traditional backup point guard are Vit Krejci and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Krejci has more experience leading an offense, as he began last season as Atlanta's backup point guard. Those minutes, however, did not look promising.
NAW has the least point guard experience of the group, but his versatility is the biggest reason why Atlanta invested in him for the next four years. They may try to throw him in that uncomfortable role at the start of the season to see what they are working with.
Going into the season without a traditional backup guard is quite the risk. There is always a possibility that Atlanta goes after one of the remaining guards available in free agency, but staying put and trusting the current roster would not be a bad idea either.