The Atlanta Hawks have done a masterful job revamping their roster ahead of the 2025-26 season. Starting the summer stuck in play-in purgatory, the Hawks managed to turn themselves into a surefire playoff team with a series of savvy moves. Yet, they continue to have a few weaknesses they still have to address.
Among those is the backup point guard situation. The Hawks added Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard in free agency, and while they are capable ballhandlers, their calling card is not playmaking. Alexander-Walker is a defense-first 3-and-D guard who can be a secondary creator, and Kennard is an elite shooter who can run a pick-and-roll in a pinch, but doesn't provide much else on either end of the floor.
That leaves Kobe Bufkin as the only true playmaking guard behind Trae Young. Yet, the former Michigan standout still has to prove himself in the NBA. Considering the increased expectations for the Hawks this season, the front office would be wise to move on from Bufkin and replace him with a veteran free agent like Malcolm Brogdon.
Hawks Must Move on from Kobe Bufkin to Sign Veteran Guard
Even though Bufkin hasn't shown much in his NBA career so far, there could still be suitors for the guard due to his age and perceived upside. Another team could easily talk itself into Bufkin because he missed the majority of last season with a shoulder injury. If the Hawks can find a team willing to take Bufkin and his $4.5 million salary for next season without having to give up additional assets, they should make the move.
While the Hawks technically have an open roster spot, they don't have space in the rotation to add a veteran guard who would expect consistent playing time. That is why moving on from Bufkin before signing a free agent would be necessary.
Brogdon makes the most sense among the remaining free agents for the Hawks. The 32-year-old has dealt with injuries in recent years, but when he has been available, he has proven to be a more than capable backup point guard. He is a career 38.8% shooter, so he can play off the ball when necessary, but can run point when Young is on the bench. Brogdon isn't the solid defender he once was earlier in his career, but he can still hold his own on that end of the floor thanks to his solid positional size and strength.
Replacing Bufkin with Brogdon in the rotation may seem like a short-sighted move, but the Hawks need to cut their losses with Bufkin sooner rather than later. Plus, there is no harm in adding a competent veteran on a minimum contract when you are looking to make a deep postseason run. Whether GM Onsi Saleh feels the same way remains to be seen.