Kobe Bufkin has quickly made a name for himself as a promising young guard in the NBA. From his standout high school and college days to his role with the Atlanta Hawks, fans have watched his journey unfold.
In this article, you’ll discover his background, early and pro career highlights, personal life details, net worth and earnings, contract and salary breakdowns, and his career stats—all in one place.
You’ll also get the scoop on endorsements and answers to frequently asked questions, so you know exactly where Kobe Bufkin stands as he continues to develop in the league.
Kobe Bufkin’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kobe Bufkin |
| Date of Birth | September 21, 2003 |
| Age | 21 years |
| Education | University of Michigan (Left in 2023) |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) |
| Weight | 195 lb (88 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2023 |
| Net Worth | $19.8 million |
| Current Team | Atlanta Hawks |
| Position | Point Guard / Shooting Guard |
| Draft | 2023, Round 1, Pick 15 |
| @bufkin | |
| @kb33zy_04 | |
| Spouse / Partner | N/A |
Early Career
Kobe Bufkin’s journey began in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he attended Grand Rapids Christian High School. As a sophomore, he averaged 22 points per game, helping his team to a 16–6 record.
By his senior year, he was up to 25 points per outing before suffering a fractured arm late in the season. Despite the injury, Bufkin earned four-star recruit status and was courted by top programs, eventually committing to the University of Michigan.
At Michigan, he spent his freshman season adjusting to college-level play, averaging modest numbers in limited minutes. His sophomore year saw a breakout: Bufkin started all 33 games, logging 34 minutes per contest. He shot nearly 48 percent from the field, connected on 35.5 percent of three-pointers, and drained an elite 84.9 percent of his free throws.
He averaged 14.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists, earning All-Big Ten Third Team honors. His combination of size, defensive intensity, and floor spacing drew praise and cemented his status as a lottery prospect. In April 2023, he declared for the NBA Draft, forgoing his remaining eligibility to turn professional.
Professional Career
The Atlanta Hawks selected Kobe Bufkin with the 15th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. He signed a four-year rookie scale contract worth roughly $19.8 million, with team options on the final two seasons. Bufkin impressed during Summer League, showcasing his playmaking and defensive instincts, though he struggled at times with turnovers as he adjusted to NBA speed.
Bufkin appeared in 17 games, averaging 11.5 minutes, 4.8 points, 1.6 assists, and 1.9 rebounds per outing. He shot 37.0 percent from the field and showed flashes of his deep shooting range, though consistency remained a work in progress. A toe injury late in the year limited his availability and forced him to spend time developing with the Hawks’ G League affiliate.
The 2024–25 campaign began with promise as Bufkin carved out a role as the key reserve guard behind Trae Young. Over 10 appearances, he averaged 12.4 minutes, 5.3 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists while shooting 38.3 percent overall. His free-throw shooting jumped to 72.2 percent, and he provided energetic defense.
However, persistent shoulder instability led to season-ending surgery in January 2025. The procedure is expected to address chronic dislocations and have him ready for training camp next season. Even with the setback, the Hawks remain confident in his long-term upside as a two-way guard who can contribute scoring and pressure opponents on defense.
Kobe Bufkin’s Net Worth Details
Kobe Bufkin’s net worth is estimated to be $19.8 million as of 2025.
Contract
Bufkin signed a four-year rookie scale deal with the Hawks in 2023. The contract guarantees the first two seasons, with team options for 2025–26 and 2026–27. The total value is approximately $19.8 million, aligning with the NBA’s salary scale for mid-first-round picks.
Salary
For the 2024–25 season, Bufkin’s base salary was $4,094,280. His earnings will rise each year under the scale, reaching approximately $4.5 million in 2025–26 and $6.9 million in 2026–27 if team options are exercised. These increasing salaries reflect his growing role and the standard escalators built into rookie deals.
Career Earnings
| Season | Basic Salary |
|---|---|
| 2023–24 | $4,094,280 |
| 2024–25 | $4,299,000 |
| 2025–26 | $4,503,720 |
| 2026–27 | $6,904,203 |
Career Stats
| Season | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023–24 | ATL | 17 | 0 | 11.5 | .370 | .225 | .500 | 1.9 | 1.6 | .4 | .3 | 4.8 |
| 2024–25 | ATL | 10 | 0 | 12.4 | .383 | .211 | .722 | 2.1 | 1.7 | .3 | .2 | 5.3 |
| Career | — | 27 | 0 | 11.9 | .374 | .220 | .654 | 2.0 | 1.6 | .4 | .3 | 5.0 |
FAQs
1. What is Kobe Bufkin’s net worth?
Kobe Bufkin’s net worth is estimated at $19.8 million, driven primarily by his four-year rookie scale contract with the Atlanta Hawks and early local endorsements.
2. What contract did Bufkin sign with the Hawks?
Bufkin signed a four-year rookie scale contract worth about $19.8 million. The deal guarantees his first two seasons and includes team options for 2025–26 and 2026–27.
3. How much does Bufkin make per season?
Kobe Bufkin’s base salary is $4,094,280. His compensation increases each year under the rookie scale, rising to roughly $4.5 million in 2025–26 and $6.9 million in 2026–27.
4. Where did Kobe Bufkin play in college?
Bufkin played two seasons at the University of Michigan. He averaged 14.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists as a sophomore in 2022–23, earning All-Big Ten honors before entering the NBA Draft.
5. What injuries has Bufkin faced early in his career?
Bufkin dealt with a fractured arm in high school, a toe injury during his rookie NBA season, and chronic shoulder instability that required season-ending surgery in January 2025 to correct recurring dislocations.
