Kobe Bufkin has chance to be x-factor after Hawks' offseason change

The Atlanta Hawks selected two players in the 2023 NBA Draft and traded for the draft rights of another. Still, they did not have a second-year player make ESPN’s list of “most interesting sophomores”. 

Most of the list is comprised of top-10 picks, including 2023 No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama. 

There were three players selected outside of the top-10 to make the list, including second-round pick GG Jackson. Of course, it would have been difficult for the Hawks class to crack the list.

First-round pick Kobe Bufkin, the No. 15 overall choice, missed most of the season with injuries, limiting his exposure even in the G League. But entering Year 2, and with Dejounte Murray now in New Orleans with the Pelicans, Bufkin could have a surprisingly impactful season.

The most significant change is indeed Murray’s departure. Bufkin, who has a similar physical profile as his former teammate, also offers a similar skill set in theory.

He is/was a lead guard with two-way chops and a questionable shot that showed potential.

Whereas Murray proved he can at least be a consistent threat from beyond the arc, Bufkin’s perimeter shooting has been questionable since before he entered the league. A shoulder injury knocked him out of NBA 2K25 Summer League, so it is unclear if his shot has improved.

He will have to fight for minutes, which would throw a wrench in Bufkin realizing his potential as an x-factor for the Hawks. 

Hawks glut of guards-types could be roadblock for Kobe Bufkin

The Hawks acquired Dyson Daniels in the Murray trade. Daniels had a strong showing for Australia in the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, including an increased effectiveness from beyond the arc, albeit from a shorter distance.

Standing 6-foot-7, Daniels is taller than the 6-foot-4 Bufkin. Daniels has also proven himself as a defender. But it is not just Daniels Bufkin must contend with for a consistent role.

Starting forward Jalen Johnson figures to handle the ball a lot and Vit Krejci can too.

On-ball reps could be difficult for Bufkin to come by. But he has shown the kind of two-way capabilities the Hawks need on the floor around Trae Young. Bufkin seemed like a potential heir apparent to Murray when the former was drafted.

It could take some significant turn of events for Bufkin. Daniels a key piece in the Murray trade and at least the co-favorite with Bogdan Bogdanovic to start at shooting guard.

Bogdanovic is another player who can make plays and handle the ball.

The Hawks also selected Zaccharie Risacher with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, so he will get plenty of touches. That just further underscores the need for Bufkin’s shooting to develop if he is to see the floor. 

The Hawks traded 2022 first-round pick AJ Griffin to the Houston Rockets over the offseason, so there is precedence for them to move on from a prospect.

That should be an alert to Bufkin, whose defense is something Griffin lacked.

As with anything, some significant factors must fall into place for Bufkin to make the kind of impact suggested here. But Bufkin’s play can trump them all, especially if shows development as a three-point shooter.