NBA Draft Scouting Report: Kobe Bufkin

Kobe Bufkin's calm, controlled play would fit right in with Brandon Ingram and the New Orleans Pelicans.

Author:
Chris Dodson
May 26, 2023 3:07 PM EDT

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NEW ORLEANS- Scouting departments have again scattered across the globe as teams begin to bring in prospects for individual workouts now that the NBA Combine in Chicago is wrapped up. The New Orleans Pelicans have about three weeks to weigh their options before the 2023 NBA Draft (June 22). Though a trade involving the 14th overall pick would not be surprising, there are several players who would be able to help this team immediately.

Michigan's Kobe Bufkin returned for an extra year of seasoning in college and is now ready to push for minutes as a rookie no matter where he lands. He is just slightly below Talyor Hendricks and Cason Wallace on my Pelicans Scoop Big Board but New Orleans would be a great fit if the 19-year-old combo guard falls to the bottom of the lottery.

Measurables

Height (w/o shoes): 6'4.25''
Weight: 186.8 pounds
Wingspan: 6'7.75''
Standing Reach: 8'6.5''
Free Throw: 84.9% (up from 77% freshman year)
3PT: 35.5% on 3.7 attempts per game
3/4 Sprint: 3.26 seconds (12th PG/SG)
Lane Agility: 11.71 seconds (19th PG/SG)
Standing Vertical: 28.5 inches (15th PG/SG)
Max Vertical: 36 inches (10th PG/SG)

The former Wolverine did not go through shooting drills, play in the scrimmages at the combine, or measure up quite as well as expected. Still, he plays at a controlled pace which is just deceptive enough that there is usually wiggle room to get at the rim or up for an open jumper. Considering the lack of participation in Chicago, Bufkin surely has a first-round promise for a team picking outside of the top 10.

Offense

Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum will handle the bulk of the ball-handling duties. Herb Jones was trusted to initiate some half-court sets last season as well. Jose Alvarado is penciled in to lead the reserves but Kira Lewis Jr. and Dyson Daniels are fighting for minutes.

Bufkin, a natural lefty, might be better than all of those rookie-scale secondary options sooner rather than later in the right situation. The southpaw operated well in the pick and roll, navigating screens with some improvisational flair at times.

Bukfin is also very aware as an off-ball threat, constantly cutting and making it easier for teammates to find him on the move. It's tough to stop Bufkin once he starts moving downhill, especially on hand-offs. The highlight reel is more than just dunks. The tape is full of difficult finishes with both hands, flip shots, floats, and high banks off of the glass.

The shot charts suggest Bufkin would be a highly efficient role player. Not many guards post a 71.1% finishing rate at the rim. Looking purely at a system fit, the Pelicans already run an offense that opens up midrange shots. Bufkin hit 48.9% on long two-pointers and 84.9% of his free-throw attempts.

Bufkin was a bench option as a freshman (10 mpg) but started every game (34 mpg) as a sophomore. His three-point percentage jumped 13 points (.222 to .355) and free-throws went up from 77% to 84%. Those are encouraging improvements Fred Vinson can work with as a starting point.

For a 195-pound guard, he rebounds well (3.8 rpg) but needs to cut down on the turnovers, which are mostly due to a sloppy handle at times. It seems to be more of a focus issue than a lack of fundamentals. Bufkin will be harder to move off of the ball after a year in an NBA weight room to get over 200 pounds.

Defense

Bufkin is a perimeter pest on defense. Going back to the weight room muscle, he probably will not be able to guard bigger wings for a few years. Bigger shooting guards will be able to back Bufkin down. Bufkin plays with a Herb Jones-like energy, hustle, and intensity. Rebounding should not be an issue but there will be problems fighting through screens. Expect some bruises and growing pains.

Still, Bufkin stays engaged. He might get beat but it won't be for lack of effort. Head on a swivel, always in a stance with the arms wide, Bufkin can create plays on defense. He is constantly jabbing and swiping but only got whistled for 2.4 fouls per game last season.

He helps on drives, knows how to contest shots without chasing blocks, and rebounds well for a smaller guy. He has very quick hands and is always a threat to swipe the ball. The stats on both ends of the court match up to what Jrue Holiday gave the Philadelphia 76ers on a rookie contract.

Summary: Bufkin, ranked 20th on the Draft Digest Big Board, could be more useful than Devonte' Graham for the Pelicans within months of getting into Willie Green's system. The Michigan native is already a better rebounder, defender, and more consistent three-pointer shooter.

With a steady 36% rate at four three-pointers per game, New Orleans could not afford to pass on Bufkin if he falls to 14. It might even be a blessing in disguise. Older prospects with less upside are projected to be drafted before Bufkin.