July 25, 2026Updated July 26, 2026, 12:40 a.m. ET
The New Orleans Pelicans signed guard Kobe Bufkin to a one-year contract.He has limited NBA experience but performed well in the G-League and recent Summer League.Bufkin could earn extended playing time if he impresses with his new opportunity.
The New Orleans Pelicans finally made a move this offseason, signing former Lakers and Hawks guard Kobe Bufkin to a one-year training camp deal. Bufkin, a former No. 15 overall pick, impressed during the 2026 NBA Summer League tournament with the team, averaging 21.3 points.
That said, the former Michigan product is a bit of an unknown quantity at the NBA level. In three seasons between Los Angeles and Atlanta, Bufkin has appeared in just 43 games, averaging 4.2 points, 1.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 0.3 steals.
However, in 17 G-League appearances last year he averaged 24.8 points, 4.3 assists, 3.8 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.2 blocks. If able to impress with increased opportunities at the NBA level, Bufkin could find healthy minutes in New Orleans’ rotation.
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