The Utah Jazz have added guard Kobe Bufkin on a two-way contract, finalizing their roster just before the 2026-27 NBA season tips off against the Memphis Grizzlies. To make room, the team waived two-way forward Blake Hinson. This move comes after a preseason where the Jazz finished with a 3-1 record, including a 119-116 win over the Phoenix Suns on October 16.
Kobe Bufkin is a 23-year-old guard originally selected 15th overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2023 NBA Draft. He spent two seasons in Atlanta but found consistent minutes hard to come by. Across 27 games, he averaged 5.0 points and 2.0 rebounds per contest. The New Orleans Pelicans brought him in for training camp this fall but released him during final roster cuts, making him an immediate target for Utah's front office.
His profile is that of a combo guard with length and defensive potential. While his NBA sample size is small, his draft pedigree suggests a player who can handle the ball and create shots. The Jazz are betting that a change of scenery and a defined developmental role can unlock his abilities.
This signing is about securing young talent with upside. By using a two-way slot, the Jazz add depth without committing a full roster spot. Bufkin now joins guards Trey Alexander and forward Harrison Ingram as the team's three two-way players. These slots allow players to split time between the NBA club and the G League, providing key development reps.
Waiving Blake Hinson was the necessary corresponding move. It shows the Jazz's evaluation prioritized backcourt depth and Bufkin's specific skill set. The timing, right before the opener, indicates they wanted to act fast before another team could claim him. It's a low-risk, high-reward play for a franchise always looking to mine value.
Bufkin provides another ball-handling option behind presumed starters Keyonte George and Collin Sexton. His 6'4" frame gives him decent size for a guard, which could help on the defensive end. In Utah's system, which emphasizes player development and pace, he'll have a chance to play freely and grow.
His success will likely depend on his three-point shooting and decision-making. If he can become a reliable perimeter threat, he could earn spot minutes. For now, expect him to see most of his action with the Salt Lake City Stars, Utah's G League affiliate, where he can work on his game in a featured role.
The immediate focus is the season opener on the road against the Memphis Grizzlies on October 21. After a strong preseason showing, including wins over the San Antonio Spurs (119-109 on Oct. 12) and Denver Nuggets (109-97 on Oct. 4), the team looks to carry that momentum into games that count.
Integrating Bufkin will be a gradual process. The Jazz's early schedule is a chance to establish an identity. Fans can track the team's progress and view the full slate of games on our schedule page. This last-minute roster tweak shows the front office's active approach as they build for both the present and the future.
