Michigan Basketball: Analyzing NBA draft destinations of Jett Howard, Kobe Bufkin

Two Michigan basketball players went in the first round of the 2023 NBA draft and here are some thoughts on Jett Howard and Kobe Bufkin. 

While there’s no doubt that every Michigan basketball fan would have loved to see Jett Howard and Kobe Bufkin playing for the Wolverines again — their decisions were validated during the first round of the 2023 NBA draft.

Howard was selected 11th overall by the Orlando Magic, which is kind of interesting. It’s the third straight season that a Michigan basketball player was selected by Orlando as Franz Wagner went there in 2021 and Caleb Houstan in 2022 (2nd round).

Like Houstan, Howard is known as a stellar 3-point shooter. However, he can score in a number of ways and his game always fit the NBA better than college.

Howard will need to develop more playmaking skills. He will also need to improve on the defensive end and as a rebounder, but he’ll be an elite shooter, just like he was for Michigan basketball. He also doesn’t get enough credit for his scoring ability in the mid-range. He just flat knows how to score the ball and he can average 20 a game in the league.

I love the fit and gives me another reason to follow the Magic. Fans have also been joking about changing the name to the Michigan Magic or the Orlando Wolverines since there are now four former Michigan basketball players on the roster: Howard, Houstan, Franz Wagner, and Moe Wagner.

Atlanta Hawks get a steal in Kobe Bufkin at 15

I’m surprised that Howard went ahead of Kobe Bufkin, who I think has a brighter upside. Bufkin showed he can be a force on both ends last season. He was the Wolverines’ best defender while turning into a reliable scoring option and a secondary playmaker.

https://twitter.com/umichbball/status/1672058783554519041

Bufkin is a legit three-level scorer. He can attack the rim, knock down 3-pointers, and score in the mid-range. Plus, he’s 6-foot-4 and has the capability of being an elite defender.

Combo guards that can do all the things Bufkin can do are pretty rare, which is why he was selected 15th overall by the Hawks, who are getting a future starter in my opinion.

Both guys have big-time potential in the NBA, beyond what they showed at Michigan basketball. However, for my money, I’d say Kobe has a better chance of being an all-star and the Hawks really did get a steal.

Michigan basketball has now had 11 first-round picks in the last 11 NBA drafts. Juwan Howard has now had five players drafted including three first-round picks.