Memphis signs former Lakers’ G League 1st round pick
The Memphis Grizzlies are signing former first-round pick Koby Bufkin to the 10-day exception, according to ESPN’s Shems Charania. The move comes as battle injuries at Grizzly to a number of key contributors — including Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., Scottie Pippen Jr., Brandon Clark and Ty Jerome — amid a 6-11 start.
The Atlanta Hawks selected Bufkin with the 15th pick in the 2023 draft after his encouraging sophomore season at Michigan. However, the 6-foot-4 guard saw limited playing time during his first two NBA seasons as he battled thumb, toe and shoulder injuries. He made just 27 appearances for the Hawks, averaging 5.0 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists on .374/.220/.654 shooting in 11.9 minutes per game.
Atlanta traded Bufkin and a second-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets this summer to the salary dump.
The injury-ravaged Grizzlies sign Kobe Bufkin via the 10-day exception
The trade offered Bufkin a chance for a fresh start with a rebuilt Nets roster with an unproven backcourt. However, he failed to secure a spot on the roster, as The Nets waived him shortly before that the start of the regular season.
The 22-year-old’s rights were acquired by the G League affiliate of the Los Angeles Lakers. He averaged 22.0 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists on .444/.500/.800 shooting in two appearances with the South Bay Lakers.
With Morant, Jerome and Pippen Jr. sidelined, Bufkin should get a chance to prove his worth with the struggling Grizzlies. Memphis has won its last two games after going 1-9. The Western Conference playoff hope ranks 25th in offensive rating (109.9), 17th in defensive rating (114.3) and 22nd in net rating (-4.4).
Bufkin expected to be available for play on Monday at home against the Denver Nuggets, Charania says.
2025-11-23 20:03:00
