May 15, 2023; Chicago, Il, USA; Kobe Bufkin of Michigan participates in the 2023 NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
NBA Mock Draft has Knicks rival adding compelling two-way guard in lottery
The New York Knicks don’t have a selection in this year’s NBA Draft, but one of their division rivals does have a lottery pick. After finishing the regular season with a 41-41 record, the Raptors have the No. 13 pick in the draft on June 22.
Toronto could have a busy offseason with Fred VanVleet and Gary Trent Jr. both having player options that they could opt out of to enter free agency. OG Anunoby’s name has been wrapped up in trade rumors already after the Raptors decided to not deal him ahead of February’s deadline.
Before the chaos fully starts, Toronto will decide which player to bring to Canada with its lone pick in the draft. The Raptors have been connected to a few guards already, and in CBS Sports’ latest NBA mock draft, Michigan guard Kobe Bufkin was slated to go to the Raptors. The 6’4” guard spent two seasons as a Wolverine before declaring for the draft.
It’s believed that Toronto is going to try to strengthen its backcourt with the pick, so selecting Bufkin would check out.
Who will Knicks’ division rival Raptors select in the 2023 NBA Draft?
After averaging only 3.0 points as a freshman, Kobe Bufkin averaged 14 points in his sophomore season and shot 48.2% from the field and 35.5% from three. His 2022-23 season is what has shot him up draft boards as high as lottery range.
The 19-year-old lefty is a three-level scorer with a downhill attack that allowed for him to finish 71% of his shots at the rim. He has a quick first step and takes what the game gives him, rather that be pull up for a midrange jumper or dish the ball to an open teammate.
Not only is Bufkin an offensive threat, but he’s a good perimeter defender. He’s the type of player that Tom Thibodeau would love to coach. His on-ball defense allowed for him to average 1.3 steals this past season. He’s the kind of pesky defender that can easily frustrate opponents.
The Michigan native is regarded as one of the most well-rounded prospects in the draft. He could end up being a steal for the Raptors if they draft him late in the lottery. It wouldn’t be surprising if he were to be picked before Toronto is on the board at 13.
Based on Kobe Bufkin’s game and how he’s been regarded throughout the ongoing draft process, it would be best for the Knicks if the guard wasn’t available for the Raptors.
