Particle.news
Download on the App Store
7 ARTICLES
·
last wk.

Grizzlies Sign Kobe Bufkin to 10-Day Hardship Deal

The former No. 15 pick is expected to debut Monday to bolster Memphis' thin backcourt.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 11: Kobe Bufkin #4 of the Atlanta Hawks drives past Javonte Cooke #59 of the Miami Heat in the second half of a 2025 NBA Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 11, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Hawks defeated the Heat 105-98. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images)
Image
Nov 29, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Kobe Bufkin (4) drives the ball towards the goal against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) during the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
Image

Overview

  • Memphis received a hardship exception with multiple guards out, including Ja Morant, Ty Jerome, Scotty Pippen Jr. and Javon Small, with Brandon Clarke still rehabbing.
  • Bufkin is expected to be available for Monday's home game against the Nuggets, according to reporting attributed to Shams Charania.
  • The 22-year-old earned the call-up after two strong outings with the South Bay Lakers, averaging 22.0 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists on .444/.500/.800 shooting.
  • Bufkin's early NBA tenure in Atlanta was limited to 27 games as injuries — including a fractured thumb, sprained toe and 2024 shoulder surgery — curtailed his progress.
  • Drafted by the Hawks in 2023, he was traded to the Nets and waived in October before his G League rights were acquired by South Bay, allowing Memphis to sign him now.