Michigan basketball's Kobe Bufkin listed as lottery pick in 2024 NBA Draft mock
Michigan basketball sophomore guard Kobe Bufkin has played himself into consideration for the 2023 NBA Draft. However, a ranking released Wednesday from ESPN’s Jonathan Givony suggests he might be better suited to wait until the 2024 class comes around.
Givony put out a 2024 NBA Draft mock on Wednesday morning, which lists Bufkin as the No. 11 overall pick of the Portland Trail Blazers. Givony’s draft order is based on ESPN projections for teams during the 2023-24 season. In his mock scenario, Bufkin went one spot behind Bronny James, the No. 10 selection to the Orlando Magic.
Bufkin is the No. 6 guard in the mock draft projection behind Matas Buzelis (No. 1 overall), Cody Williams (No. 2), Isaiah Collier (No. 5), D.J. Wagner (7), and James.
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Givony’s mock assumes that Bufkin will wait to return for next season, but an exit to the 2023 NBA Draft is still in play. Over the last several weeks, the Michigan guard’s stock has risen as his metamorphosis continues.
Last year, he was barely playable and averaged 10.6 minutes per game. This year, Bufkin has blossomed into arguably Michigan’s best all-around player and a tone-setter on the defensive end of the floor. He is averaging 12.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game and has started all 27 contests at shooting guard. With an early-season injury to Jaelin Llewellyn, he has also taken on more point guard duties in certain combinations.
A recent mock draft from Sam Vecenie of The Athletic had Bufkin as the No. 28 overall pick to the Houston Rockets in 2023:
“Bufkin is a fast-rising, 6-foot-4 sophomore guard out of Michigan whom scouts have come to really appreciate throughout the season,” Vecenie said. “He’s only averaging 12 points, four rebounds and three assists per game while shooting 30 percent from 3. So why are people excited? It’s the production for his age. Bufkin is actually a bit younger than teammate Jett Howard. If you look at him in that context, he’s immediately intriguing due to his blend of athleticism and skill set.
“He has a bit of a ways to go in terms of strength, and the shooting is going to have to come around. But there are currently no freshmen in college basketball averaging at least 12 points, four rebounds and three assists per game while shooting 45 percent from the field, which is what Bufkin is doing right now. It’s easy to see why scouts have identified him as a potential 2023 draft pick.”
The Wolverines have had 14 overall NBA Draft picks since 2013, four more than any other Big Ten school. Nine of those went in the first round. The Maize and Blue have had 15 drafts (and five of the last 10) with multiple players selected. Freshman forward Jett Howard has spent most of this year as a projected lottery pick and could help Michigan add to its recent pedigree this year. Perhaps Bufkin could join him. They may even both return for another ride in 2023-24. A lot is to be determined, but both are squarely on draft radars.
