The Hawks play their first Summer League game tonight in Las Vegas, and it’s the most highly anticipated Summer League for Atlanta since Trae Young was drafted.
No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher will be the focal point for Hawks fans, and he squares off with No. 2 pick Alex Sarr in the pair’s first contest in the NBA. Unfortunately, Atlanta has already been dealt a blow.
The Hawks announced in a post on Twitter/X that former first-round pick Kobe Bufkin will miss the entire Las Vegas Summer League following a shoulder injury.
“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 Michigan product was drafted No. 15 in the 2023 cycle but missed some time during his rookie campaign due to injury as well, only appearing in 17 games and averaging 4.8 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists.
He did appear in the G League for the Hawks with the College Park Skyhawks, putting up an impressive 23.6 points, 5.9 assists, and 5.4 rebounds with 1.3 steals. With Dejounte Murray traded, the opportunity to establish himself as the club’s point guard off the bench is there for Bufkin.
The Hawks Summer League squad is still an exciting one, headlined by the team’s No. 1 overall pick in Risacher, but Mouhamed Gueye is a youngster to keep an eye on as well.
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