NBA DRAFT

June 22, 2023

Kobe Bufkin

Q. What are you bringing to the Hawks?

KOBE BUFKIN: Bringing a high level of focus, competitive nature, a defensive presence and, when we get to flow, playmaking and offensive threat.

Q. While you were getting drafted, Jett was looking at the screen during his press conference and couldn't contain his smile. He was like, yo, he's going to Atlanta. What does that mean to you to have your teammate have that type of support for you?

KOBE BUFKIN: It means everything to us. That Michigan team was very tight, and me and Jett specifically were really tight, me and Juwan were really tight. It was like family. When he went to Orlando, there was a level of joy that you're unable to control it. You're happy to see your guys be successful, for sure.

Q. How excited are you to get drafted specifically by Atlanta, and how do you envision yourself fitting alongside Trae Young?

KOBE BUFKIN: I mean, Trae Young is an on-ball threat. So I'm comfortable playing on ball if he needs a break, off ball if he doesn't need a break. I feel like I've proven myself to be able to be a threat on or off the ball.

I'm just looking forward to getting to Atlanta and being able to compete. It's something I've dreamed of, and I'm finally here. Take the most out of it, for sure.

Q. How excited are you to go to Atlanta and what does it mean to you to get picked in the first round of the NBA Draft?

KOBE BUFKIN: Very excited. This is what we work for. I'm just happy to be successful in this way. There's many different ways this could have ended up, but it took me here, so I'm glad to be here.

Q. What's it like sitting there? You know your name is going to be called, but are there nerves? What's it like to be sitting there as the draft is going on?

KOBE BUFKIN: Yeah, it's the first time for everybody that is right there, so it's definitely nerves, where am I going to go. All these things are going through your head, but at the end of the day, eventually your name is going to be called. That's kind of like a pillow you can -- it's something that is going to hold you up because you know you're going to go.

Just being here is a dream, and I'm just happy. ATL is the place.

Q. After you got drafted who was that first phone call from or to and that text message and what was said?

KOBE BUFKIN: My first phone call, I haven't had it yet. My first phone call will probably be to my grandma, my grandma Lou. There's a lot of media going on. Definitely calling my granny after this.

Q. Is she in Grand Rapids?

KOBE BUFKIN: Yes, she is in Grand Rapids.