Hawks guard to miss Summer League with shoulder injury

Hawks guard Kobe Bufkin suffered a right shoulder injury during practice on Tuesday and he will not participate in the Las Vegas Summer League, the team announced in a press release.

Bufkin underwent an MRI which revealed “findings consistent with a right shoulder subluxation.” He is expected to make a full recovery ahead of training camp this fall, per the team.

It’s another unfortunate setback for the 20-year-old, who missed extended time during his 2023-2024 rookie campaign due to a fractured left thumb and a sprained toe. 

The 15th overall pick of the 2023 draft, Bufkin appeared in just 17 games for the Hawks last season, averaging 4.8 PPG, 1.9 RPG and 1.6 APG in 11.5 MPG.

Bufkin, who is left-handed, also appeared in 14 regular-season games for Atlanta’s G League affiliate (the College Park Skyhawks) last season, averaging 23.6 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 5.9 APG and 1.4 SPG on .444/.356/.829 shooting (32.0 MPG).

The former Michigan guard will be among a group of players vying for backcourt minutes in 2024-2025 after the Hawks traded Dejounte Murray to the Pelicans.