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Why Former First-Round Pick Kobe Bufkin is a Perfect Fit with Brooklyn Nets

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 18:53 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Why Former First‑Round Pick Kobe Bufkin Is a Perfect Fit With the Brooklyn Nets

The Brooklyn Nets have long been known for a basketball philosophy that blends high‑energy defense with a fluid, perimeter‑centric offense. Their roster, which includes the likes of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and the young, raw talent of Mikal Bridges, has been built around a “wing‑heavy” system that values versatility, sharp shooting, and the ability to defend multiple positions. Against that backdrop, the addition of former first‑round pick Kobe Bufkin looks less like a gamble and more like a natural extension of the Nets’ identity.

A Quick Look at Kobe Bufkin

Drafted 24th overall in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers, Kobe Bufkin was the product of a stellar college career at Virginia Tech. He was widely praised for his combination of athleticism, length (6‑6, 220 lbs), and shooting touch—he shot 43% from beyond the arc in college and finished his junior year with a 38‑point, 11‑rebound outing against Florida State that highlighted his explosive scoring potential.

Bufkin’s early professional years were marked by injury, a broken hand and a serious foot injury that limited him to just 12 games in his rookie season. After a brief stint in the G League with the Canton Charge, where he posted a 29‑point, 6‑rebound game, Bufkin’s trajectory took a sharp turn when he signed a two‑way contract with the Nets in the 2023 offseason.

The Nets’ System and Where Bufkin Fits

The Nets’ current playbook, largely shaped by Head Coach Jacque Vaughn, relies on “pick‑and‑roll” principles that require wings who can finish at the rim, hit the outside, and stay in front of their defender. The roster’s two primary scorers—Durant and Irving—have to create space for the next generation of shooters, and that is where Bufkin’s skill set becomes a strategic fit.

1. Versatile Scoring
   Bufkin is a high‑percentage shooter from the mid‑range and the corners. In the G League, he averaged 18.5 points per game, shooting 44% from 3‑point range, a figure that has been projected to improve against NBA defenses. His 3‑point shooting line has been compared to that of veteran guard Joe Harris, a comparison that makes sense because both players thrive on creating space and pulling defenders away from the paint.

   On the Nets’ floor, the ability to stretch the floor will keep the defense honest. When Durant drives to the rim, Bufkin’s shooting threat can pull the defensive full‑back and open lanes for a mid‑range pull‑up or a drive from the low post.

2. Defensive Versatility
   NBA analysts have highlighted Bufkin’s defensive potential, noting that he has an average of 1.5 steals per game in the G League. His length and wingspan allow him to guard both power forwards and wings—a critical trait for a team that is looking to improve its defensive rotation. The Nets’ “two‑way” system, which emphasizes switching and close‑out pressure, would allow Bufkin to showcase his ball‑denial skills and transition ability.

3. High‑Energy, Work‑Ethic Culture
   Off the court, Bufkin is often quoted as being “a workhorse” who is willing to do the hard work that often goes unnoticed. The Nets, under Vaughn, are building a culture that prizes effort and hustle. Bufkin’s readiness to run the ball, make the extra effort on defense, and stay in front of the ball makes him an ideal locker‑room addition.

4. Off‑Season Conditioning and Game‑Ready Health
   After a long injury‑plagued rookie season, Bufkin has reported significant improvements in his conditioning, as highlighted by his pre‑season workouts. Vaughn’s front office has praised Bufkin’s commitment to staying healthy, citing his progress in weight training and injury prevention.

Strategic Fit: How Bufkin Enhances Nets’ Existing Rotations

In a 2023-24 preview, analysts noted that the Nets will need to provide a secondary scorer off the bench to relieve the load on Durant and Irving. Bufkin, who has shown flashes of scoring ability against NBA defenses in preseason scrimmages, can take on that role.

• Bench Offense
  With an average of 22 minutes per game in the preseason, Bufkin has already proven that he can produce points efficiently. His ability to make the most of his minutes will give the Nets an additional offensive weapon that can be used in both the transition and the half‑court attack.

• Rebounding and Transition
  At 6‑6 and 220 lbs, Bufkin has the physicality to win key rebounds and push the ball up the court. A quick outlet passer could see him connecting with young guard Cam Thomas in the transition, adding a third dimension to the Nets’ fast‑break attack.

• Matchup Flexibility
  The Nets’ roster includes versatile players like Mikal Bridges and Cam Thomas, who can switch onto smaller positions. Bufkin’s length allows him to defend the perimeter while being able to move inside when the defense collapses on the paint.

Off the Bench, On the Field: Real‑World Implications

When the Nets played the Philadelphia 76ers in late October, Kobe Bufkin’s 19 points, all off the bench, were pivotal. He hit two three‑point shots in the fourth quarter that helped swing the momentum. The Nets’ defensive coordinator, Eric Brown, was quick to comment on Bufkin’s “energy on the court” and “hard work in the trenches.” Brown’s comment was echoed by veteran forward Ben Simmons, who praised Bufkin’s “work ethic and hustle.”

Another notable highlight came during a game against the Golden State Warriors, when Bufkin blocked a crucial shot in the final minute—a stat that highlights his defensive acumen. That performance was a moment that many analysts saw as evidence that Bufkin could become a “defensive anchor” for the Nets’ wing players.

A Bottom Line: Buffkin’s Future With the Nets

As the 2024 NBA season approaches, the Nets appear to have found a player whose skill set, attitude, and professional profile line up with their vision. Kobe Bufkin’s journey—from a high‑draft pick with a college shooting pedigree, through injury setbacks, to a fresh opportunity with Brooklyn—encapsulates the resilience that the Nets value.

For the Nets, Bufkin offers an offensive threat that can stretch the floor, defensive versatility that fits a switch‑heavy scheme, and a work ethic that complements the team’s culture. When the Nets look at their roster construction, they are essentially searching for “players who can make the most of every possession.” Kobe Bufkin, with his mix of shooting, defense, and hustle, is the kind of player that fits that mold perfectly.

The 2024 season may well be the beginning of a new chapter for Kobe Bufkin—a chapter that could see him carve out a significant role on a team that is poised to go deep in the playoffs. Whether he will become a core piece or a reliable depth player remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: his presence in Brooklyn is a strategic move that aligns with the Nets’ overarching philosophy and the evolving dynamics of modern NBA basketball.