A training camp preview for New Orleans Pelicans guard Kobe Bufkin.
The New Orleans Pelicans kick off training camp in under a month, which means it is time to start preparations for the season. As the roster comes into shape, it's important to take stock of where everyone is heading into camp.
Of everyone signed to the Pelicans right now, Kobe Bufkin is under more pressure than anyone other than Christian Koloko, who is under equal pressure. Those are the two signed to training camp who are likely fighting for the final two-way slot.
Bufkin has the edge based on Summer League, but training camp is a different beast.
State Of His Career
While the first three years of Bufkin in the NBA haven't gone well, he's still super young as he declared for the draft as a senior. This isn't really any different than a fifth-year senior who goes in the late second round, as he's mostly been in the G League. Except he also does at least have some understanding of what it is like at the highest level.
In the G League, Bufkin has averaged 24.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.0 assists on 47.7/38.9/86.6 shooting splits. Those are obviously inflated because of the competition at that level, but it shows what kind of player that he is.
One Area Where He Must Perform
Bufkin does the two things that this team needs in terms of defense and shooting. As much as this team loves defense, I think his shooting might actually be what helps him most.
New Orleans desperately needs shooting. If Bufkin could come in and show that he can provide volume at a solid rate, then they'll be more inclined. That 38.9% from three in the G League was on 7.1 attempts per game, which is a great sign.
Best-Case Scenario For Training Camp
The base goal for Bufkin is going to be making the roster via the remaining two-way. He only has three years of NBA experience, so he has another year to use there. With who the Pelicans currently roster at backup guard, though, there's a chance he forces his way onto the team.
Obviously, that would be hard given that they already have to get rid of someone to be roster compliant. That person is likely to be Jordan Hawkins, which will open up a spot for another guard somewhere on the roster. Since Jordan Poole hasn't done much since coming to New Orleans, if Bufkin works out as a two-way this season, he could be the replacement when Poole hits free agency.
