Hawks guard Kobe Bufkin sustained 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 (via Twitter).
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 2023/24 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 ’24/25 after the Hawks traded Dejounte Murray to the Pelicans.
Ok this definitely sucks short term bc I wanted to see Kobe playing tmrw & next week. But hopefully this motivates is to go get a vet backup for Trae since Kobe is still such an unknown as a pro. I think Markelle Fultz would be perfect. Kelle & Bogdan would be a really nice backcourt to bring off the bench. He fits equally well alongside Trae too. I’m guessing we’d have to find a way to get off Larry Nance Jr’s contract to make that happen but however they make it happen, Kelle’s addition would def make us a better team.
May the Hawks should get that kid from Australia to backup Trae. Think his name was Dyson Daniels, last season I think he played in New Orleans but since they have Murray now the Pelicans don’t need him.
I believe he was added to the trade.
Who the heck is that