2023 NBA Mock Draft: Spurs land franchise PG, tanking pays off for Pistons

While Jett Howard was initially Michigan’s main draw for many draft analysts, it was sophomore guard Kobe Bufkin that debatably showed more growth during the season and likely was the Wolverines’ best player down the stretch. 

He shot an astounding 71% at the rim on over 100 attempts on the season, improved his three-point shooting by about 13% compared to his freshman season while roughly tripling his volume of shots, and served as a hard-nosed defender for Michigan at the point of attack. 

Considering all of these attributes, it’s understandable that some are beginning to call him one of the most well-rounded guards in his draft class. If NBA teams believe Bufkin’s efficiency around the rim wasn’t a fluke, expect him to be taken off the board in the mid to late 1st round. If a team believes he can take on lead guard responsibilities, I think a team could reach for him as high as the late lottery.