""Obviously [Howard] knows the guy, and everything was very positive between Juwan, who knows him and speaks highly and positively about him," Fernández said. "We also have our scouting department that knew [him]. ... We were very high on him during the draft, and it was an opportunity to bring him in. So you put all that together, and that's the reason why he's here.""
"Bufkin admitted Howard's presence has helped him ease into Brooklyn. "It's definitely a big level of comfort. [Howard] is like family," Bufkin said. "I spent two years with him. He was a mentor for me, kind of taught me about the league before I got to the league, what to expect, what not to expect. So it was good to see him.""
Brooklyn acquired Kobe Bufkin to bolster ball-handling and playmaking depth after drafting multiple point guards. Juwan Howard’s prior coaching relationship with Bufkin and positive evaluations from the Nets’ scouting staff influenced the decision. Bufkin was a 2023 first-round pick by Atlanta, played sparingly over two seasons, and underwent season-ending shoulder surgery in December. He produced strong summer-league numbers, drawing interest from other teams, but Brooklyn signed him for cash. Coaching staff emphasized the value of additional ball handlers, and Bufkin said Howard’s presence provided comfort and mentorship as he transitions into the Nets’ system.
Read at New York Post
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