Atlanta Hawks rookie Kobe Bufkin will miss at least two weeks after suffering a left thumb fracture on assignment in the G League, the team announced.
Bufkin had been assigned to the College Park Skyhawks and was practicing with the team. He suffered the injury on Thursday night, and an X-ray taken on Friday revealed the fracture. The team said Bufkin will be reevaluated in two weeks and his status will be updated.
The 15th pick has totaled one point and two rebounds in four minutes across two appearances so far this season. He averaged 7.2 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.8 on 31.9% shooting from the field in five preseason games.
An @emoryhealthcare injury update:
Kobe Bufkin injured his left thumb during the College Park Skyhawks’ practice while on assignment. An X-ray taken earlier today revealed a left thumb fracture. He will be re-evaluated in two weeks and his status will be updated as appropriate. pic.twitter.com/c1j2ugTRx1
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) November 3, 2023
Bufkin, 20, had a solid run with the Hawks in the preseason and earned some praise from coach Quin Snyder. He has shown flashes on the court and can play with or without the ball, and projects to eventually be a good fit with Dejounte Murray and Trae Young.
He was highly touted for his ability to run the offense and score last season at Michigan. The lefty showcased some of those traits in the early going and is a player the organization has high expectations for.
“He is one of those guys that’s just a sponge,” Snyder said on Oct. 20. “He wants to get better and we’ve been demanding of him. We want to continue to be, and that’s what he wants, too. I think he’s got a high bar for himself, and we have one for him.”
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 tag=1412]