The NBA news cycle slowed down, but two under-the-radar moves could have meaningful ripple effects for both San Antonio and Brooklyn.
Bismack Biyombo Returns to the Spurs
Veteran center Bismack Biyombo has agreed to a one-year deal to return to the San Antonio Spurs, per ESPN.
This marks season 15 for the 6’8” rim protector, who averaged 5.1 points and 5.6 rebounds in 28 games last year.
For the Spurs, this move is about stability and leadership. Biyombo provides toughness, rebounding, and a defensive presence to help support Victor Wembanyama in the paint. He may not put up big scoring numbers, but his experience is invaluable to a team stacked with young talent.
Kobe Bufkin Gets a Fresh Start in Brooklyn
Elsewhere, the Atlanta Hawks traded 2023 lottery pick Kobe Bufkin to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for cash considerations.
Bufkin, drafted 15th overall out of Michigan, never found consistent minutes in Atlanta’s guard-heavy rotation. But in Brooklyn, the 21-year-old guard could get real playing time.
The Nets are in transition and need backcourt depth. With his Summer League flashes of 15.3 PPG, 4.7 APG, and 1.6 SPG, Bufkin has the tools to become a two-way contributor if given the opportunity.
Big Picture Takeaway
Neither of these moves are blockbuster headlines, but both are smart basketball decisions.
- San Antonio doubles down on veteran help around Wembanyama.
- Brooklyn adds a low-cost, high-upside guard who could blossom with opportunity.
Sometimes the quiet moves in September end up shaping rotations when the season tips off.
