Bufkin is expected to miss 8-10 weeks due to his thumb fracture, Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network reports.
Bufkin's initial timeline featured a re-evaluation in mid-November, but it appears that the duration of his absence will be much longer. The rookie suffered the injury on Nov. 3, placing his return to game action sometime in January.
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Hawks' Kobe Bufkin: Suffers left thumb fracture
Rotowire
Bufkin sustained a left thumb fracture while practicing with the G League's College Park Skyhawks on Friday and will be re-evaluated in two weeks.
Bufkin wasn't a significant part of Atlanta's rotation early in the regular season and was practicing with the G League club recently to work on his development. However, he'll now be unavailable for at least two weeks. Once he's cleared to return to game action, it wouldn't be surprising to see the 20-year-old ramp up in the G League.
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Hawks' Kobe Bufkin: Rejoins parent club
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Bufkin was reassigned to the Hawks on Friday, Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network reports.
Bufkin was assigned to the G League's College Park Skyhawks on Thursday but will be back with the parent club a day later. He hasn't been part of the rotation in the NBA to begin the year.
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Hawks' Kobe Bufkin: Assigned to G League
Rotowire
The Hawks assigned Bufkin to the College Park Skyhawks of the G League on Thursday, Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network reports.
Bufkin was the No. 15 overall pick by the Hawks in the 2023 NBA Draft. However, the rookie guard has played just four total minutes across Atlanta's first five games and will be sent down to the G League to aid in his development.
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Hawks' Kobe Bufkin: Returns to bench
Rotowire
Bufkin isn't in the starting five for Friday's preseason game versus the 76ers, Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network reports.
Bufkin will be replaced by Trae Young in the starting lineup for Friday's preseason finale. The rookie guard is expected to compete with Patty Mills for the backup point guard role.
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Hawks' Kobe Bufkin: Scores 18 in loss
Rotowire
Bufkin posted 18 points (7-18 FG, 0-6 3Pt, 4-4 FT), one rebound, one assist, one steal and a block across 23 minutes during Sunday's 101-80 loss to the Mavericks.
Bufkin continues to struggle to score efficiently, missing all six of his three-point attempts and shooting 38.8 percent from the floor. Despite his offensive struggles, Bufkin showed promise on the defensive end, recording a steal and a block while taking multiple charges. The 15th overall pick will likely be a depth piece at the guard position for Atlanta to start his rookie campaign.
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Hawks' Kobe Bufkin: Struggles with efficiency
Rotowire
Bufkin amassed 13 points (3-13 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 7-9 FT), six rebounds, one assist and one steal in 33 minutes during Wednesday's 99-93 win over the Timberwolves.
Bufkin has struggled with his efficiency throughout his Summer League campaign. The Michigan product will likely come off the bench to begin the season and might be eased into a larger role as his efficiency and comfortability at the NBA level increase.
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Hawks' Kobe Bufkin: Scores 17 in win
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Bufkin totaled 17 points (6-19 FG, 4-10 3Pt, 1-2 FT), six assists, five rebounds and a block across 27 minutes in Sunday's 98-93 win over the Nuggets.
Bufkin found success from three-point range but struggled to get it going inside the arc. Despite his inefficiency, he did well distributing and was solid on the boards. Bufkin will likely remain a key piece for Atlanta's Summer League team and could be a candidate for a bench role during the regular season.
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Hawks' Kobe Bufkin: Selected 15th by Atlanta
Rotowire
Bufkin was selected by the Hawks with the 15th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Bufkin has good size for a guard at 6-foot-5 with a 6-foot-8 wingspan, and he offers a lot of tools on both ends of the court. He was a standout for Michigan last season, averaging 17.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.3 steals as a sophomore. Atlanta's backcourt is stacked with Trae Young and Dejounte Murray, but Bufkin could emerge as a key contributor and instant-offense player off the bench.
