Young Hawk Proves He Can't Be Trusted with Early Summer League Play

The Atlanta Hawks have strengthened their roster with veteran additions during the offseason, positioning themselves for a potential playoff return. However, achieving greater success might depend on significant improvement from one of their young players.

Kobe Bufkin, the 2023 first-round pick, is one such young player fans hope can develop into a contributor, despite a difficult start to his career marred by injuries. The Las Vegas Summer League presented an opportunity for him to demonstrate he was ready for a rotation role by outperforming his peers. Early observations noted his good size and playmaking reads, but also highlighted poor shooting (3/16 FG, 0/5 3PT) and emphasized the necessity of off-ball utility, especially for the Hawks, casting doubt on immediate reliability.

Bufkin's performance took a positive turn on Friday against the Miami Heat, where he scored 29 points and led a comeback victory. He aggressively attacked the basket, resulting in 15 made free throws, adapting effectively despite struggling from three-point range (2-for-9).

However, this progress was completely undone in his next game on Sunday versus the Phoenix Suns. Bufkin reverted to poor shooting (3-for-17 FG) but failed to adapt his approach, continuing to take ineffective shots and earning only four free throw attempts.

Given that Bufkin is entering his third NBA season and is one of the more experienced players at Summer League, the Hawks expect more from the nearly 22-year-old. His inability to dominate against less experienced Summer League competition raises significant doubts about his readiness and future role with the team. If he cannot assert himself effectively in this setting during his third year, the Hawks may consider ending their investment in his development.