Kobe Bufkin made the most of his chance to play with the New Orleans Pelicans’ Summer League team.
The Pelicans have signed Bufkin to a training camp deal. The deal will allow Bufkin an opportunity to earn one of the final roster spots, according to a team source.
Bufkin, a 6-foot-4 guard, was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks with the 15th overall pick in the 2023 draft. The former University of Michigan standout has played in just 43 games in his three NBA seasons. He spent his first two seasons in Atlanta before playing last season with the Los Angeles Lakers. His best season was his second one with the Hawks when he averaged 5.3 points and 2.1 rebounds. He averaged just 2.9 points this past season with the Lakers. However, he played well for the South Bay Lakers, the G League affiliate. He averaged 24.8 points, 4.4 assists and 3.7 rebounds. He shot 41.9% on 3-pointers for South Bay.
He put up similar numbers playing for the Pelicans in Summer League. He played in three games in Vegas and led the Pelicans in scoring with 21.3 points per game. His best game was the first one against the Minnesota Timberwolves when he poured in 30 points and shot 5-for-9 on 3-pointers.
“Our coaches put me in a position to thrive, so I just took advantage of the opportunities that they gave me,” Bufkin said after the first game.
His 3-point shooting dropped off in the other two games and he finished Summer League 7-of-22 (31.8 %) from long distance. He also averaged 5.3 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals.
Before the team made the trip to Vegas, first-year Pelicans head coach Jamahl Mosley talked about what an opportunity like this could mean for the former first round draft pick.
“I think it’s great for Kobe,” Mosley said. “He’s been excellent in his communication with the coaches in what he’s trying to do and what we’re asking of him to do. Just be a facilitator and attack the basket when he needs to. Defensively, can he pick guys up full court? Can he make it harder for the other team’s point guard? It’s a great opportunity for him, but it’s a great opportunity for all these guys to show what they are capable of doing.”
Now Bufkin will get to attend training camp and try to earn a roster spot.