The Atlanta Hawks took significant steps forward this offseason to establish themselves as potential contenders in the Eastern Conference. In a wide-open conference, the Hawks have as good a shot as anybody to win multiple playoff rounds. Yet, some weaknesses on the roster remain.
One of the most notable weaknesses is a backup point guard behind Trae Young. The additions of Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard will certainly help, but neither player is a true playmaking point guard. The Hawks had hopes of former 15th-overall pick Kobe Bufkin becoming that player, but the former Michigan star has failed to earn that spot on the team through his first two seasons in the league.
With Atlanta having higher expectations in the 2025-26 season, Bufkin will not have much time before losing the little credit he has left within the organization.
Hawks' Kobe Bufkin Only Has a Few Months Left to Prove He's Not a Bust
If Bufkin doesn't look like a rotation player to begin the season, he will likely be on a short leash. The Hawks will not hesitate to move on from him via a trade. At that point, the 21-year-old guard won't have much trade value, but it will be more important for the Hawks to open up a roster spot and gain financial flexibility. If they have to add draft capital to Bufkin's contract and get a difference-maker, that will remain an option for the Hawks as well.
Even though he suffered an unfortunate shoulder injury last season that kept him out for most of the year, Bufkin struggled in the opportunities he got. Throughout his 27 games in the NBA, he has averaged 5.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 11.9 minutes per game on .374/.220/.654 shooting splits. Considering that most of Bufkin's value comes on the offensive side of the ball, that is simply not good enough.
In the subsequent five picks after Bufkin, teams drafted players like Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Brandin Podziemski, both of whom have shown plenty of intrigue so far in their careers. While there is no point in dwelling on a wasted draft pick, Bufkin needs to show flashes immediately in his third year to not be considered a bust.