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The Memphis Grizzlies, plagued by injuries, have tapped the waiver wire for reinforcements. On Sunday they signed guard Kobe Bufkin to a hardship contract, a move that gives the team a short-term NBA lift while offering the young guard another shot at the league.
Why Memphis chose a hardship addition right now
Memphis has been dealing with a long list of sidelined players. That created space under the NBA’s hardship rule. The rule allows teams to temporarily exceed roster limits when injuries deplete available players.
The hardship signing is a stopgap. It lets the Grizzlies add NBA-level depth without making a permanent roster commitment.
Profile: Kobe Bufkin — the player the Grizzlies added
College and draft background
Bufkin starred at the University of Michigan before entering the 2023 NBA Draft. He was selected 15th overall by the Atlanta Hawks. The 6-foot-4 left-hander has been trying to solidify his place in the league ever since.
Professional stops and recent status
Drafted No. 15 in 2023 by the Atlanta Hawks.
Appeared in NBA games across 2023-24 and 2024-25 for Atlanta.
Traded to the Brooklyn Nets in September, then released in October.
Signed a G League contract with the South Bay Lakers, the Los Angeles Lakers’ affiliate.
Signed to a hardship contract by the Memphis Grizzlies in mid-season.
On-court numbers and concerns
NBA appearances: 27 games.
Average minutes: 11.9 per game.
Scoring average: 5.0 points per game.
Rebounds and assists: roughly 2.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game.
Shooting struggles: a low 22% mark from the field in his NBA minutes.
Low shooting efficiency is the chief reason Bufkin has bounced between teams and leagues. This chance in Memphis offers a platform to rebuild confidence and show development.
How the G League contract made this move possible
Bufkin’s deal with South Bay was a G League contract, not an NBA roster contract. That distinction made him eligible to be signed under hardship rules. Teams can call up G League players in this exact scenario.
This pathway has become common for players on the fringe of NBA rotation minutes. It provides short-term roster flexibility for teams and opportunity for players.
What the Grizzlies and Bufkin are likely hoping to prove
Memphis wants immediate, serviceable depth for the backcourt.
Bufkin needs to show improved shot selection and efficiency.
A solid hardship stint could lead to a longer NBA chance.
For Bufkin, every minute will matter. Strong defense, smart decision-making, and better shooting could turn this brief contract into a longer stay.
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