The Atlanta Hawks' arrow is clearly pointing up after a masterful offseason that brought in a number of veterans who should help this team finally get back to the playoffs. That being said, what could really push Atlanta over the top is one of its young pieces taking a huge step forward this upcoming year.
One player fans are still holding out a sliver of hope for is 2023 first-rounder Kobe Bufkin, who's faced a disastrous start to his career but has potential to develop into a real contributor despite numerous injury troubles.
Entering Las Vegas Summer League play, Bufkin had an opportunity to "graduate" from developmental talent to actual rotation piece by showing he's miles ahead of his peers. However, his early play has only reinforced that ATL can't rely on him.
Kobe Bufkin has nice size and has made lots of nice reads but he’s also airballed two 3-pointers. 3/16 FG, 0/5 3PT. Has looked like he belongs otherwise but, especially on the Hawks, the off-ball utility needs to be there
— Kris Pursiainen (@krispursiainen) July 13, 2025
Kobe Bufkin's Roller Coaster Start to Summer League is a Warning to Hawks
Bufkin's weekend started with a bang that had the Hawks faithful seriously wondering if he had finally started to put things together as an NBA youngster.
The 2023 15th overall pick exploded for 29 points on Friday against the Miami Heat, pacing Atlanta in a comeback victory. Bufkin was aggressive attacking with the ball in his hands, leading to a whopping 15 free throw attempts (which he all made). With his 3-point shot (2-for-9) escaping him, it was great to see the third-year SG make an adjustment that clearly benefited the team.
Unfortunately, whatever progress some thought Bufkin had made was completely negated on Sunday. His shot was errant again in this tilt versus the Phoenix Suns, but instead of adapting he simply kept chucking to no avail. He finished a disgusting 3-for-17 from the field with only four free throw attempts to his name.
The Hawks simply need more out of the almost 22-year-old, who despite his age is one of the veteran players at Summer League given he's entering his third NBA campaign. There's little reason as to why Bufkin shouldn't be straight-up dominating against journeyman or fresh-faced rookies, so his struggles only strengthen the doubts about his job security.
If the guard can't even enforce his will on a Summer League gym in Year 3, Atlanta may be wise to end this experiment to avoid anymore disappointment.