3 articles

BKN • Guard • #4
4 months ago
Bufkin, the 15th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, struggled to get his NBA career off the ground in Atlanta. Of course, this wasn’t the best spot for the point guard, as Trae Young is a franchise cornerstone and Dejounte Murray was also on the roster during Bufkin’s rookie season. Injuries were also an issue for him, having appeared in 27 NBA games during his two seasons in Atlanta. Bufkin’s 2024-25 campaign ended in mid-December due to a shoulder injury, but he did start at the point for the Hawks’ Summer League team. The trade to Brooklyn gives the former Michigan guard a fresh start and a legitimate opportunity to earn consistent playing time on a rebuilding team. The Nets did use two of their five first-round picks on playmakers in Egor Demin and Nolan Traoré, and they stand to be Bufkin’s competition for rotation minutes when training camp opens.
Source: Shams Charania

ATL • Guard • #4
6 months ago
Bufkin shot the ball far better than on Sunday, when the Hawks guard made only three of 17 attempts from the field in a win over Phoenix. However, the scoring efficiency was countered by a brutal day regarding ball control. Bufkin turned the ball over nine times against the Rockets, eight more than his total on Sunday. While his opportunities will be limited once the regular season begins, Bufkin must be efficient as a scorer and playmaker to log consistent minutes off the bench.

ATL • Guard • #4
6 months ago
Bufkin did not have a good day shooting the basketball, but that’s unsurprising given that he’s working his way back from season-ending shoulder surgery in December. The rust is expected. The positive for Bufkin is that he dished out nine assists while committing just one turnover. Bufkin has little fantasy value at this point behind Trae Young, Dyson Daniels, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. However, Bufkin reaching the point where he can be trusted with rotation minutes would benefit the franchise.