NBA Draft: Bleacher Report’s New Mock Has Thunder Taking Michigan Riser
On Wednesday, prior to the start of the NCAA’s March Madness tournament, Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman released another version of his mock draft to share how he thinks the upcoming 2023 NBA Draft could unfold.
With his latest mock reflecting updated NBA standings, Wasserman predicts that the Oklahoma City Thunder will add another dynamic guard at the tail end of the lottery. No, it’s not Baylor’s Keyonte George or Kentucky’s Cason Wallace, the usual suspects to fit that descriptor; it’s Kobe Bufkin of the Michigan Wolverines.
Bufkin, a lefty ball-handler, has quickly risen up draft boards in recent weeks due to his improvements as a shooter and playmaker. Combine that with the fact that he is lightning quick, super shifty, and competes on the defensive end, and it’s easy to see why scouts are falling in love with his potential.
On the season, Bufkin is averaging 14 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 34 minutes per game while shooting 48.2% from the floor, 35.5% from deep, and 84.9% from the line – all solid numbers for a sophomore. But he’s shown more in the last leg of his season, posting 17.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists while improving upon his efficiency he averaged 52% from the floor, 45.1% from 3-point range, and 88.9% from the free throw line.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing in at 195 pounds, Bufkin’s game bears some resemblance to Thunder guard, Tre Mann, and Golden State Warriors’ Jordan Poole. Like Mann and Poole, Bufkin possesses a quickness to his game that makes it difficult for even the best defenders to stay in front of. He also is more than capable as a playmaker and has the shot-making potential to capitalize when he is able to create space or draw the defense in.
If the Thunder were to add Bufkin to their roster this off-season, it would present an interesting challenge for the franchise. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at the helm, Josh Giddey already proving to be a worthy ball-handler, and Jalen Williams’ recent play practically demanding more on-ball reps, it’s tough to envision just how head coach Mark Daigneault could fit Bufkin into the rotation.
Want to join the discussion? Like SI Thunder on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest Thunder news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.
