Bufkin Joins Pelicans
Kobe Bufkin Signs One-Year Deal with Pelicans, Eyes Roster Spot After Strong Summer League
Key Points
Bufkin appeared in 16 regular-season games for the Lakers in 2025-26, averaging 2.9 points in about 7.4 minutes per game, with one start.
During Summer League with the Pelicans, Bufkin averaged 21.3 points per game across three outings, including a 30-point opener, and New Orleans did not play him in the final Summer League game.
Across three NBA seasons, Bufkin has career averages of 4.2 points, 1.6 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 10.2 minutes per game and has never played in more than 17 games in a season.
Bufkin is described as a two-guard with scoring potential who could contribute as a depth piece for New Orleans if he makes the roster after a strong camp.
Kobe Bufkin is joining the New Orleans Pelicans on a training camp deal, according to HoopsHype, with the 22-year-old guard fighting for one of the final roster spots this fall. Multiple reports later confirmed Bufkin signed a one-year deal with New Orleans, turning an invite into a formal commitment.
Bufkin is a former first-round pick who has yet to stick on an NBA roster long-term. The Pelicans are betting his summer showing is a sign of more to come.
30-Point Summer League Burst Caught Pelicans' Attention
Bufkin turned heads during Summer League with the Pelicans. He averaged 21.3 points per game across three games and opened with a 30-point performance. New Orleans sat him out of the final Summer League game, a sign they had already seen enough to be interested.
That kind of scoring pop was exactly what the Pelicans needed to see. Bufkin is viewed as a two-guard with scoring potential who could fill a depth role. The team has one open roster spot entering training camp, per Yahoo Sports.
Limited NBA Experience but Clear Draft Pedigree
Atlanta took Bufkin 15th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft out of Michigan, where he averaged 14 points per game as a sophomore. Despite the high draft slot, he has struggled to get consistent playing time in the NBA.
Last season with the Lakers, Bufkin appeared in just 16 games, averaging 2.9 points in about 7.4 minutes per game, with one start. Across three NBA seasons, he carries career averages of 4.2 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 10.2 minutes per game. He has never played more than 17 games in a single season.
Pelicans Enter Camp With 17-Man Roster and One Spot Open
New Orleans is heading into training camp with 17 players on the roster, according to Yahoo Sports. That leaves one open spot up for grabs, and Bufkin will be competing to claim it. A strong camp could push him over the line.
The Pelicans are also weighing other roster moves. Reports suggest New Orleans is exploring a trade involving guard Jordan Hawkins. That kind of shuffle could open more room or change the depth chart entirely, affecting Bufkin's path to a guaranteed spot.
One-Year Deal Signals Real Shot at Making the Team
What started as a training camp invite became something more concrete. Talkbasket reported that the Pelicans signed Bufkin to a one-year deal, not just a camp tryout. That signals New Orleans sees genuine potential in him as a roster piece.
Bufkin's path to sticking in the league runs through this camp. He has the draft pedigree and the scoring ability. Now he needs to show the Pelicans he can be a reliable guard when the regular season starts.
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