Kobe Bufkin is entering his third NBA season and has yet to secure a definite spot in Atlanta's rotation. Taken 15th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, the combo guard out of Michigan has only appeared in a handful of games through two seasons. The uncertainty surrounding his play, as well as Atlanta's aggressive mentality this offseason, could be signs of the inevitable.
His career numbers do not help his case. In 27 total career games, Bufkin is averaging 5.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists on less than desirable shooting splits (37.4% from the field and 22.0% from three).
Atlanta made a statement in this year's summer league. They gave Kobe Bufkin free rein. For the most part, he capitalized on that opportunity, leading the Hawks to a 4-0 record before resting in the final game. Bufkin's leadership and presence as a floor general were on full display, but Atlanta wanted to see growth in key areas offensively.
The concerns surrounding his shooting remain valid. He was given an opportunity to show some consistency and failed in that aspect. This year in summer league, Bufkin averaged 19.5 points on 35.5% shooting. Measuring first-year players' trajectories based on their efficiency in their first summer league is unfair. However, the same cannot be said for a third-year guard who was selected in the first round.
Bufkin doesn't have a natural role on this Hawks team
There is nothing more important to emphasize than providing consistent shooting behind a backcourt that features Trae Young and Dyson Daniels. Both are phenomenal at what they do, but often struggle with finding their shot, especially from deep. Atlanta knew how to improve around the margins this offseason. They brought in two excellent outside shooters to shore up the second unit.
Luke Kennard and Nickeil Alexander-Walker were perfect additions. Not only do they provide reliable shot-making for a team in desperate need of it, but they are both underrated in one key aspect of the game: ball-handling.
Atlanta has needed creators in the second unit for a while now, and while neither Kennard nor Alexander-Walker specialize in that part of the game, they do have the ability to get a bucket for themselves or a teammate. Especially Kennard, who has played backup point guard often over the course of his career.
Vit Krejci is another name to watch as Atlanta may choose to pivot away from real rotation minutes for Bufkin. Head Coach Quin Snyder experimented with Krejci as the backup point guard at the beginning of last season. While it didn't look great, his court vision is special, and they might give it another go.
There is also the issue of having too many guys on the roster who deserve minutes. This is a good problem to have, but may result in Atlanta parting ways with one of them. Bufkin could be the odd man out in a second unit that features Onyeka Okongwu, Luke Kennard, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Vit Krejci, Mo Gueye, and Asa Newell. Even Caleb Houstan (whose signing has yet to be made official) could provide Atlanta with some elite shooting in spot minutes.
It is no doubt an awkward situation. Bufkin looked like the right pick at the time, but unless a quick turnaround in his offensive game were to take place, he could find himself on the way out of Atlanta sooner than later.