Where Kobe Bufkin and Jett Howard are going in the latest NBA mock drafts

All-Big Ten guard Kobe Bufkin was highly impactful for his team, averaging 14.0 points and 4.5 rebounds with 2.9 assists and 1.3 steals per game.

Michigan outscored opponents by 9.9 points per 100 possessions when Bufkin was on the floor, per Pivot Analysis. They were outscored by 11.8 points per 100 when he was not featured. According to CBB Analytics, that swing ranked sixth-best among all high-major players.

I’m placing a bet that Bufkin ends up rising through the pre-draft process. He’s one of my favorite prospects, and the tape is quite strong. Over his last 12 games, he averaged 17 points per game in Big Ten play while shooting 52 percent from the field, 45 percent from 3 and 89 percent from the line. He also grabbed six rebounds, had three assists and about two steals. That’s the point in the year when he started to get more usage consistently. He averaged only 9.6 shots per game for Michigan’s first 18 games as the Wolverines used more Hunter Dickinson/Jett Howard sets. In those last 15, Bufkin took nearly 13 shots per game and got far more high-leverage opportunities. There just aren’t many holes in his game. He’s a great finisher and a good shooter from the midrange and 3. He makes high-level passes. He’s strong on the ball and can help defensively. He’s just well-rounded.

I’m a bit lower on Howard than most, but let’s mention the good first on why he’s projected to be taken in the first round. He’s a tremendous shot maker and shooter who has some of the best shot prep in this draft, which allows him to be a genuine threat off NBA-caliber actions. Michigan ran a ton of Zoom and Pistol actions, using him in dribble handoffs. The Wolverines ran him off screening actions regularly to try to get him loose. He’s a teenager who averaged 14 points and hit 37 percent from 3 on high volume and also showcased the ability to relocate and score from the midrange. Here’s the issue: Michigan was about seven points per 100 possessions better when Howard was off the court because he was such a negative defender. He can’t move in space and also isn’t strong enough now to guard down the lineup. He has a ways to go on that end.

After being among the worst 3-point shooting teams in the NBA, the Hawks need to address perimeter shotmaking to help support their superstar, Trae Young. While Dick or Hawkins could be lead options, they’re tracking to not be around by the time the Hawks pick at No. 15. Howard, a 6-8 wing who is 19 years old and the son of Michigan head coach Juwan Howard, would fill the hole on the perimeter in Atlanta. Between the positional size and the desire to be a playmaker, there is some upside to him at this slot.

While the Warriors have taken some projects in recent years in the midst of the reign of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, getting a two-way talent who can add something defensively to a group that really struggled this season seems like a very logical move. The 6-4 Bufkin has a really good feel for the game and the athleticism to help the Warriors or another team in a variety of capacities. His speed and ability to move without the ball are positives, and he showed that he could finish at the rim in the Big Ten, averaging 14 points per game. The pull-up game off the dribble is another quality trait, and Bufkin’s midrange was really solid with the Wolverines. He uses his quickness to defend and for someone at his size, he’s a quality defender. While he could be turnover-prone at Michigan, there’s no question he can come into an organization and help in some capacity on both ends. Golden State needs to add depth and athleticism.

A second year in college proved to be huge for Bufkin, who can score from all over and is especially good at attacking the rim and finishing through contact. He’s a tough on-ball defender, too.

A versatile playmaker who loves the pressure of a big moment and has a high basketball IQ, Jett is the son of former NBA All-Star and Michigan coach Juwan Howard.