Atlanta Hawks’ up-and-coming guard, Kobe Bufkin, seems to be plagued by unfortunate injury luck once again. The team recently announced that Bufkin suffered a shoulder injury during a summer league practice on Tuesday night, ruling him out of this year’s Las Vegas Event.
“Kobe Bufkin injured his right shoulder during Tuesday evening’s summer league practice. An MRI taken at the Emory Sports Medicine Complex revealed findings consistent with a right shoulder subluxation. He will not play in the Las Vegas Summer League and is expected to make a full recovery ahead of training camp,” the team stated.
Bufkin, the No. 15 pick in the 2023 draft, had a limited role last season with the Hawks, who were focused on making a playoff push with key players like Dejounte Murray, Trae Young, and Bogdan Bogdanovic logging heavy minutes. Young and Murray each averaged 36 minutes per game, leaving little room for Bufkin to make an impact.
Despite his limited playing time, Bufkin showed promise when he did hit the court. The left-handed guard displayed his scoring ability, athleticism, knack for offensive creativity, and knack for generating turnovers, leaving fans and coaches alike excited about his potential.
Throughout his rookie season, Bufkin dealt with various injuries, including a fractured left thumb and a sprained toe. He split his time between the G-League College Park Skyhawks and the Hawks, gaining valuable experience at both levels.
In the final stretch of the regular season, Bufkin finally got his chance to shine with the Hawks. In just seven games, he managed to tally 48 points, 12 assists, four steals, and four blocks while creating turnovers and showcasing his diverse skill set. However, his shooting consistency, especially from beyond the arc, remained a work in progress.
Despite the setbacks, Bufkin’s determination and talent are undeniable, and Hawks fans can only hope for a full and speedy recovery for the young guard as he looks ahead to the upcoming season.
