After a five-year college career, early in Smith's rookie season there’s a clear trend emerging. Extended minutes are translating into team-leading production.
Sometimes the right environment unlocks a player’s potential. The Warriors may have uncovered an overlooked prospect.
A player to watch: Deivon Smith with the Santa Cruz Warriors.
Since being traded from the College Park Skyhawks, the undrafted rookie has posted back-to-back career highs, including 32 PTS, 9 REB, 7 AST, and 4 3P on Thursday night.
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JJ Redick has voiced skepticism about the buyout market, noting it “very rarely produces a player that impacts a team’s playoff chances.”
He also pointed to health concerns surrounding available players, a factor that led to the signing of Bufkin.
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Bufkin was selected 15th overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2023 NBA Draft, coming off the board just before the Lakers selected Jalen Hood-Schifino at No. 17.
It appears Pelinka and the Lakers’ scouting department had Bufkin firmly on their radar back then.
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New words for Heavy ✍️
The Lakers’ latest addition Kobe Bufkin says the team has shown interest dating back to the 2023 NBA Draft, calling his signing a “full-circle” moment.
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This highlights just how fluid Pate’s situation remains, with clear interest around the league.
An interesting announcement from his agent, especially with the Knicks filling their final two-way spot yesterday with Dillon Jones.
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The Knicks’ two-way spots are now full, leaving limited internal pathways for Pate.
After the All-Star break, struggling teams often shut down key players, typically triggering a wave of G League call-ups and 10-day deals. Pate could be one of them.
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The New York Knicks recently added Dillon Jones on a two-way deal, but could face competition to retain G League standout Dink Pate.
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The New York Knicks quietly added former first-round pick Dillon Jones on a two-way deal on Tuesday, as they continue to find value within the G League.
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The Knicks moving aggressively, signing a G League player right under the Trail Blazers’ nose.
Jones has put up well-rounded numbers with the Rip City Remix, but it does make you wonder about Dink Pate’s future. Another team could easily make a similar move.
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Obaseki’s game log tells the story.
Earlier this season, over an eight-game stretch with the Oklahoma City Blue, where he started six times, he averaged 11.4 PTS, 6.8 REB, 3.8 AST in nearly 32 MPG.
Defined, consistent minutes can work wonders. A prospect to watch closely.
A G League player to keep an eye on is former Texas A&M forward Manny Obaseki.
With extended minutes, his development is clearly trending up. The New York Knicks may have uncovered an overlooked talent.
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On Sunday, during his second G League assignment of the season, Jared McCain struggled on a streaky shooting night and finished with six turnovers.
Another tough outing in what’s been a difficult season so far for the Philadelphia 76ers guard.
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Still only 24, NBA experience, on a standard G League deal. I agree, a solid move for Boston
15.01.2026 16:32 — 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
The Celtics previously acquired Evbuomwan’s G League returning player rights, allowing the organization to move quickly once he became available.
A low-risk, high-upside move for Boston.
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The Boston Celtics quietly added former Knicks forward Tosan Evbuomwan to their G League affiliate last night.
He jumped straight into the starting lineup and posted 21 PTS, 4 REB, 4 AST, 1 BLK in a win over the Wisconsin Herd.
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Redick wasn’t sure whether Bufkin would play against the Hawks, but he made a late cameo, knocking down a confident three and finishing with 3 PTS, 1 REB, 1 AST in the final 3:45.
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JJ Redick said Kobe Bufkin will “have opportunities during his 10-day,” adding that the transition from South Bay to the Lakers should be relatively seamless due to similar coverages.
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Plenty of upside at 22 years old. He should already be on a two-way deal.
The Lakers had to act as he was still on a standard G League contract. They now have an NBA-level evaluation window of 10–20 days.
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Some Kobe Bufkin numbers are flying under the radar, following his 10-day deal with the Lakers.
• 31 PPG to open the G League regular season (league-high)
• 40.9% from three across the entire season (14 games; 5 reg season/9 tip-off)
• 11 blocks over his last 5 games
#NBASky | #Lakers
Given his age and the experience under his belt already, he's worth a punt on a two-way deal.
These are some impressive performances, he's definitely levelling up
He’s always been an intriguing talent, but few G League players are turning heads like Dink Pate.
A 6-foot-8 guard, just 19 years old, shooting 46.1% from three on a staggering 11.1 attempts per game to start the regular season 🤯
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The New York Knicks have quietly added a familiar name to their development pipeline, with their NBA G League affiliate bringing in former top prospect Manny Obaseki via the available player pool.
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On Friday night, San Antonio Spurs rookie Carter Bryant made his debut in the G League.
The 20-year-old flashed the tools that made him a lottery selection, finishing with 15 PTS, 5 REB, 2 BLK.
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I believe he will be a restricted free agent in the summer, so an element of protection there. Still, he looks a legit talent to secure long-term
09.01.2026 21:46 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 1 📌 0
Amari Williams is a player to watch out for.
The Celtics big is averaging 20.0 PTS, 12.6 REB, 4.6 AST, 1.4 STL, 1.8 BLK on 70% shooting to start the G League regular season. A skillset that could translate well to the NBA-level.
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A couple from today for the G League fans ✍️
Houston Rockets Quietly Land Explosive Scorer from Timberwolves heavy.com/sports/nba/h...
Former Warriors Sharpshooter Putting NBA Teams on Alert heavy.com/sports/nba/p...
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Bufkin is pairing scoring with hustle and two-way impact (5 blocks in the past 2 games). With 10-day contracts opening tomorrow and deals becoming guaranteed Jan. 7, roster movement is coming fast.
An NBA call-up feels imminent.
The Lakers may have uncovered another under-the-radar contributor in Kobe Bufkin, but he remains on a standard G League contract & time is running out. A Scotty Pippen Jr-type situation could be brewing if/when another NBA team swoops in.
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#NBASky | #NBAGLeague | #Lakers
New words for Heavy.com ✍️
As the Lakers search for energy and consistency, Nick Smith Jr. is showing why their development pipeline (which IMO is underutilized) is important now more than ever.
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