The Atlanta Hawks have revealed their Summer League roster just over a week before their opening game against the Miami Heat in Las Vegas. This year’s team highlights include the third-year guard Kobe Bufkin, forward Mouhamed Gueye, and rookie first-round selection Asa Newell. The Hawks intend to use this platform to display their emerging talent and strengthen their roster depth.
Experienced Coaching Staff Poised to Lead Team
Assistant coach Bryan Bailey returns as the head coach for the Hawks’ Summer League squad for the third straight year. Bailey previously led teams at the Utah Summer League in 2021 and 2022. He will be supported by a skilled coaching group, including Seth Jackson from the College Park Skyhawks, Sanjay Lumpkin, Reggis Onwukamuche, Jacob Porter, Ashton Smith, Chris Sosnik, Ekpe Udoh, and Conner Varney, all bringing valuable experience to the sidelines.
Kobe Bufkin Aims for a Turnaround After Injury Struggles
This Summer League holds special importance for Kobe Bufkin, taken 15th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft. His first two professional seasons have been hindered by injuries, limiting his chances to prove his capabilities on the court. Despite these challenges, Bufkin has shown promising two-way skills during his limited play. It is uncommon for a player in their third year to participate in Summer League; however, given his injury history, this opportunity is crucial for Bufkin to regain momentum and contribute significantly to the Hawks this upcoming season.
Notable Player Absences Shed Light on Team Strategy
The Hawks will be without key contributors Mouhamed Gueye and Zaccharie Risacher for this year’s Summer League, underscoring their integral roles in the franchise’s plans. Risacher is coming off a promising rookie season, while Gueye was a vital presence last year, providing impressive defense and contributing to a +9.4 points per 100 possessions differential during 515 minutes on the floor. Their absence emphasizes the Hawks’ confidence in these players as part of their core going forward.
Asa Newell’s Much-Anticipated Introduction to Summer League
The spotlight will turn to rookie Asa Newell as he prepares for his Summer League debut next Friday against the Miami Heat. Although recent free agency moves have somewhat eased the pressure on Newell to immediately impact the team, fans and analysts alike are keen to see how he adapts to the professional level. Newell’s collegiate career at Georgia was distinguished by his consistent performance—starting all 33 games and averaging 15.4 points along with 6.9 rebounds per game. He earned four SEC Freshman of the Week honors and became the first Georgia freshman since 1997-98 to lead the team in both scoring and rebounding.
Noteworthy is Newell’s debut game against Tennessee Tech, where he scored 26 points, tying the Hawks legend Dominique Wilkins for the highest scoring output by a Bulldog freshman in their first contest. His versatile skill set is expected to provide valuable depth to the Hawks’ roster as they build towards the forthcoming season.
Building Momentum for the Season Ahead
As the Hawks prepare for their Summer League campaign, attention will be focused on how Kobe Bufkin seeks redemption and how Asa Newell navigates his first professional experience. Their performances could signal the future direction for the team, especially as they look to strengthen their core and deepen their roster. This Summer League offers a critical stage for both players to demonstrate their potential and make vital contributions heading into the new NBA season.