Jazz Sign Former First-Round Pick Drafted Ahead of Keyonte George

Three years ago, the Atlanta Hawks selected Kobe Bufkin one spot before the Utah Jazz drafted Keyonte George.

Now, with their NBA careers having taken remarkably different paths, the two guards are headed for the same locker room.

Utah is signing Bufkin, 23, to a two-way contract, NBA insider Jake Fischer reported Wednesday — giving the former Michigan standout another opportunity to establish himself in the league.

And the circumstances surrounding his arrival are certainly interesting.

Atlanta selected Bufkin with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, just ahead of George at No. 16.

George has since established himself as one of Utah's offensive cornerstones, earning a five-year, $157.5 million extension. Bufkin, meanwhile, has spent much of his professional career searching for consistent minutes.

Injuries haven't helped.

The 6-foot-4 guard appeared in just 27 games across his first two seasons with Atlanta, with shoulder problems eventually requiring season-ending surgery in January 2025.

He was traded to Brooklyn the following September, beginning a stretch that included stops with the Nets, Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Lakers.

And yet ... there's reason to believe Bufkin still has something to offer.

Before signing with Los Angeles in February, Bufkin averaged 27.7 points, 4.7 assists and 3.9 rebounds through 14 regular-season appearances with the South Bay Lakers.

He shot 52.2% from the field and 43.1% from beyond the arc.

Not exactly the production you'd expect from someone struggling to find an NBA home ... but that's where things get complicated.

Bufkin's success in the G League hasn't translated into consistent NBA production.

In 16 appearances with the Lakers last season, he averaged just 2.9 points while shooting 30% from the field.

The disparity is striking, though hardly inexplicable.

Bufkin has demonstrated an ability to create offense with the ball in his hands, attacking defenders off the dribble and finding opportunities around the basket. Those skills helped make him a first-round prospect at Michigan.

But carving out an NBA role often requires something different — efficient shooting without consistent touches, reliable secondary playmaking and the defensive consistency to survive when shots aren't falling.

Those are the areas Utah will have an opportunity to evaluate.

The move comes with a corresponding roster decision. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Utah is waiving Blake Hinson from his two-way contract to create room for Bufkin.

After being waived by New Orleans on Saturday, Bufkin now joins a Jazz backcourt featuring George, rookie Darryn Peterson and Isaiah Collier.

Finding minutes won't be easy, but the two-way agreement allows Utah to evaluate Bufkin through the Salt Lake City Stars without sacrificing a standard roster spot.

It's a relatively inexpensive opportunity for a franchise still interested in uncovering young talent — and another chance for Bufkin to prove the potential that once made him a top-15 selection hasn't disappeared.

Three years ago ... Atlanta believed Bufkin was worth drafting ahead of George.

Today, George has a $157.5 million extension and a secure place in Utah's future.

Bufkin? He's starting over.

And this time, he'll have to earn his place alongside the player selected immediately after him.