The NBA Summer league is here and so are the quick reactions. We live in a microwave society now, where we want things immediately. Social media has only enhanced this type of mindset, and we all rush to social media to either be impressed or disappointed with something. There is a time and place for that, however, the NBA Summer League is not one of those places. Just like number one overall pick, Victor Wemanyama, we need to be patient with Kobe Bufkin. It takes time, it is the Summer League.
John Fricke alluded to this on the weekend show, “I guess to your point here Max, if the initial summer league stat lines are what we are going to judge players on, then the Hawks outta cut their number one pick Kobe Bufkin today.” One game does not determine a player's career. Sure, you always want to see a player play well, but that's not how it works. These players are coming from college, overseas, other leagues, etc. There is a huge adjustment to playing the brand of basketball that the NBA plays. The spacing, the speed, the sounds, the crowds, are all different in the NBA. And that is the actual point of the Summer League, to get your feet wet and acclimate to a new environment before the actual season is here.
So before we are quick to judge the Hawks first pick, Kobe Bufkin, before we are quick to judge Victor Wembanyama, give it time. Let these players grow into who they are, let their skillsets get acclimated to a new environment, and take a breath. If we continue to go up and down on a game by game basis, then buckle up, it will be a rollercoaster of a ride.
