When the Hawks selected Michigan guard Kobe Bufkin in the first round of the 2023 draft, some thought that he would get instant playing time and bring depth to the Hawks, but an early injury kept Bufkin out and since he has returned, he has been playing with the Hawks G-League Affiliate, the College Park Skyhawks. Bufkin has been using his time at College Park to improve his game and last night, he had his best performance of the season.
Bufkin finished with a career-high 43 points behind a career-high tying six three-pointers, becoming just the second Skyhawk in franchise history to record 40-or-more points and nine-or-more rebounds (Tyrese Martin, 46 points, nine rebounds on 3/17/23). Bufkin is also just the sixth player in College Park history to pour in 40 points.
Down by as many as 11 points in the second quarter, College Park quickly stormed back to take a seven-point lead to open the third, bolstered by a barrage of three-pointers from Joiner, Bufkin, and Seth Lundy.
The Hawks have been a banged-up team this year, but that has not gotten Bufkin any playing time. That has been a topic amongst Hawks fans, but for now, I would still expect for Bufkin to continue playing in College Park. Last week, Hawks head coach Quin Snyder was asked about Bufkin and his possible playing time with Trae Young injured:
The thing is, the Hawks are now getting healthier. De'Andre Hunter was upgraded to questionable yesterday and his return would be huge for the Hawks. The bench production has been a problem with the Hawks with all of the injuries, but Bufkin has remained in College Park.
I don't think it is a bad thing if Bufkin stays in College Park this year. Atlanta did something similar with Jalen Johnson, who is in the midst of a huge breakout season. Johnson was able to develop his game in College Park and now he is one of the Hawks's most important players and looks to have a bright future. Could Bufkin be on a similar path? I think it is possible.
While I don't think he is going to play, Bufkin was recalled from College Park today.
He has been an exciting player to track at College Park and the future looks bright for Bufkin, whenever he does get his opportunity.
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