With the rush of free agency and the draft behind us, the NBA world shifts its attention to the 2025 NBA Summer League. The Atlanta Hawks’ new front office has impressed this offseason, but now it is time for their young talent to shine on the court.
The 2025 Summer League roster includes Asa Newell, the 23rd pick in this year’s draft, and Kobe Bufkin, who the Hawks selected 15th overall in 2023. Questions also surround Nikola Ðjurišić, whom Atlanta traded for in the second round of last year’s draft. These three players all have something to prove in Las Vegas in the coming weeks.
Questions Surround 3 Summer League Hawks Players
Will the Hawks’ Persistence With Kobe Bufkin Pay Off?
Bufkin’s unfortunate injury history led him to a disappointing start to his NBA career. He has only appeared in 27 contests since being drafted two summers ago. Last season, he planned to compete in summer league until he suffered a shoulder subluxation before the team headed to Las Vegas. Despite his rough start, the Hawks have high hopes for the 21-year-old guard, keeping his name out of trade talks this offseason. The next few weeks are crucial for him to prove he can be a positive contributor to the playoff-contending Hawks next season.
Bufkin already flashed high defensive potential at the NBA level, keeping shifty guards from breaking the paint and showing a high IQ as a weakside defender. Most of the questions surrounding Bufkin come on the offensive end with shooting and playmaking. He shoots 22% from deep on 2.2 attempts per game over his career. He displayed patience when reading the floor, often leaning on his lefty floater off the glass to finish on drives. Bufkin likely starts at point guard for the summer squad, so seeing how he operates as a pick-and-roll ballhandler will be valuable for Hawks head coach Quin Snyder. Bufkin can prove Atlanta made the right call to have patience with his development this season.
Can Nikola Ðjurišić Earn a Contract for the 2025-26 Campaign?
The Hawks never signed Ðjurišić to a contract last season after the draft. He suffered a left foot fracture at the 2024 summer league and spent this past season with the College Park Skyhawks. This season, he is vying for his first NBA deal, which could come in the form of a two-way contract. Atlanta has two open slots after waiving David Roddy in the record-breaking seven-team trade.
Ðjurišić averaged 12.2 points, 3.3 assists, and shot 18.1% from deep on 3.5 attempts last season. While the shooting stroke certainly has to improve, he showed his handle, speed, and athleticism, getting to the bucket and finishing strong.
Nikola Djurisic with the big dunk! pic.twitter.com/Dl7k23n8LW
— FLOOR and CEILING (Wilko) (@wilkomcv) July 13, 2024
Ðjurišić’s passing vision and ability to get to the rim at 6’7″ certainly raise some eyebrows. If he improves his marksmanship from deep, defenses will have no choice but to close out quicker. He can use his burst off the dribble to blow by the defense, forcing it to collapse. If Ðjurišić impresses over the next few weeks, he likely earns a two-way contract with the Hawks this season.
Asa Newell: Power Forward or Center?
Newell officially signed a four-year, $16.2 million deal with the Hawks. While his role in Atlanta next season likely remains small, that will not be the case in Summer League. He will be featured heavily in the Hawks’ plans on both ends of the floor in Las Vegas. However, will he play the four or five?
Newell’s athleticism and superb weakside rim protection certainly make him look like a center. He runs the floor well, fitting the Hawks’ fast-paced offense that ranked third last season. However, Newell measured 6’9″ barefoot at the NBA Draft Combine. He would be on the smaller side of centers in the league.
If Atlanta plays him as a power forward, his shooting will need to improve. He shot 29.2% on 2.7 attempts from deep at the University of Georgia. His mobility allows the Hawks to play him at the four with a stretch center. It will be interesting to see how Hawks’ summer league coach Bryan Bailey puts Newell in the best position to succeed and prepares the 23rd pick for his rookie season.
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