How Kobe Bufkin Fits with the OKC Thunder

With the Oklahoma City Thunder entering the offseason, it’s officially time to time to switch gears to prospect evaluation mode.

And this year’s impending draft has plenty of players that can help bolster the OKC core.

No matter how unlikely it is Oklahoma City lands certain prospects, the Thunder Fit series will take a look at how they would fit with the current team’s configuration. And with a war chest of assets, you never know how far the front office could move up to acquire a player.

The next prospect up in the series is Michigan guard Kobe Bufkin, who saw a terrific sophomore jump for the Wolverines.

Here’s how Bufkin could fit alongside the rest of the Thunder core:

Offense

Bufkin has a versatile offensive game. He averaged 14.0 points, 4.5 assists and 2.9 assists per game while shooting 48 percent overall and 36 percent from three.

He has the ability to play both on or off-ball, as either a transitive point guard or catch-and-shoot threat.

Bufkin would likely have a hard time slotting in as a full-time starter in the Thunder system with nothing truly standing out in his skillset. But his high-floor game would allow him to interchange in lineups very easily.

Most often, he would likely command the second unit. Although his passing and playmaking could stand to get better, which it assuredly will as he develops.

Defense

At 6-foot-5, Bufkin is going to be swift and coordinated enough to stick to NBA guards well.

Similarly to his offense, he’s solid across the board, especially as a defensive playmaker averaging 1.3 steals and 0.7 blocks per game at Michigan.

He doesn’t offer premier length or staunch defense, but his consistency will stand out and should earn him looks in the 2023 lottery range.

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