The Utah Jazz have finalized their roster for the 2026-27 NBA season opener, signing guard Kobe Bufkin to a two-way contract after waiving forward Blake Hinson. The moves come as the team prepares to face the Memphis Grizzlies on the road on October 21, following a preseason where they posted a 3-1 record, including a 119-116 win over the Phoenix Suns on October 16.
The Jazz parted ways with Blake Hinson, who was on a two-way contract. Hinson, who went undrafted in 2024, joined the Jazz last February and appeared in 14 games last season. He averaged 11.9 points while shooting an impressive 46.8% from three-point range. His career-high of 30 points came against the Memphis Grizzlies last April.
To fill the newly opened two-way slot, Utah is bringing in Kobe Bufkin. Bufkin was the 15th overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2023 NBA Draft. His time in Atlanta was limited, with just 27 total appearances over two seasons as he spent significant time developing in the G League.
This swap represents a shift in developmental focus for the Jazz's two-way roster spots. Hinson provided shooting, but the addition of Bufkin gives the team a former lottery pick at guard. Bufkin offers potential as a ball-handler and perimeter defender, areas Utah can always use more depth in. It's a low-risk move that adds a young player with pedigree to their system.
The decision comes after a productive preseason. Beyond the close win over Phoenix, the Jazz beat the San Antonio Spurs 119-109 on October 12 and split two games with the Denver Nuggets, winning 109-97 on October 4 before a 117-106 loss on October 6. These games helped the coaching staff evaluate the back end of the roster.
All attention now turns to the regular season. The Jazz open their campaign on the road against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday, October 21. This game will be the first real test for the revamped roster and provide an early look at the team's rotation.
Integrating Kobe Bufkin into the Jazz's player development program will be a priority. Two-way players split time between the NBA club and the G League's Salt Lake City Stars, offering Bufkin a chance to play major minutes and refine his game. For fans tracking the team's progress, the full season schedule is available on our schedule page.
The preseason showed some promising signs, but the games start counting now. The matchup in Memphis kicks off an 82-game journey where every roster decision, including these final two-way adjustments, will be put to the test.
