Grizzlies Tap Kobe Bufkin on 10-Day Deal Amidst Injury Crisis

Memphis, TN – The Memphis Grizzlies, grappling with a meaningful injury bug that has sidelined multiple key guards, have officially signed free agent point guard Kobe Bufkin to a 10-day contract, leveraging a hardship exemption. This move, first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, aims to bolster the team’s backcourt depth as they navigate a challenging stretch of the 2025-26 NBA season.

The Grizzlies’ injury report reads like a who’s who of players currently unavailable. Scotty Pippen Jr. is sidelined with foot surgery,Ty Jerome is dealing with a torn calf,and star point guard Ja Morant is also out with a torn calf. Adding to the backcourt woes, Javon Small is sidelined with turf toe, while veteran forward Brandon Clarke continues his recovery from offseason knee surgery.This confluence of injuries has created a critical need for reinforcements,making Bufkin’s arrival a timely,albeit temporary,solution.

Bufkin, a former 15th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, arrives in Memphis with a history of battling his own injury setbacks. During his tenure with the Atlanta Hawks, the 22-year-old guard experienced a tough start to his NBA career. His rookie season was hampered by a broken left thumb and a sprained foot, limiting his availability.The challenges continued into his sophomore campaign,where he underwent shoulder surgery in December 2024,just two months into the season