The Brooklyn Nets just picked up Kobe Bufkin from Atlanta, and the Hawks didn’t get a player back. Before this NBA move, Bufkin’s career had already been a rollercoaster. Picked 15th in the 2023 draft, he struggled for consistent court time with Atlanta, dealing with injuries to his thumb, toe, and shoulder. He only played 27 games in two seasons, averaging five points a night on tough shooting splits. The move to Brooklyn gives him a fresh start, but it’s hard not to wonder what shaped him along the way.

At the heart of that foundation? His parents. Their guidance and support gave him the tools to handle setbacks and stay focused, helping him navigate the ups and downs of his journey to the NBA.

Who are Kobe Bufkin’s parents?

Kobe Bufkin’s journey starts in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he was born on September 21, 2003, to Kimberly Camp and Mike Bufkin. From day one, his parents have been his most prominent supporters, always cheering him on at every step—from Grand Rapids Christian to the University of Michigan, and finally to the Atlanta Hawks after being drafted in 2023. “It means everything to me. Just watching all the success pay off. It was a sigh of relief for sure. It gets tight in that green room, it gets tight for sure, but it was a good experience,” Kobe said during the draft, with Kimberly and Mike by his side, celebrating each milestone.

Not much is known about his parents because they prefer to keep a low profile, focusing entirely on supporting Kobe. They’ve helped shape his life, guiding him through each decision, always present at his games, and cheering the loudest. Beyond Kobe, Kimberly and Mike have two more sons, making their family a tight-knit unit that has played a massive role in his path to the NBA.

What ethnicity are Kobe Bufkin’s parents?

When it comes to Kobe Bufkin’s background, not a lot of detailed information about his parents’ ethnicity has been publicly shared. What we do know is that both of them were born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and they’ve lived their lives rooted in that community. While the exact specifics aren’t available, it’s widely recognized that the family identifies as African-American.

Kobe Bufkin’s relationship with parents

Kobe Bufkin’s bond with his parents has always been at the heart of his journey, and honestly, you can tell how deep their love for the game runs just from his name. “My parents claim that I was not named after him…But I have 1 brother named after Isaiah Thomas and another brother named after Michael Jordan, so I think there might be something to it!” Kobe once joked. Even if they deny it, the basketball thread in the family is impossible to miss.

At five years old, though, Kobe had other plans. Asked what he wanted to be when he grew up, he quickly answered, “A football player.” But when asked which team, his reply was simple and telling: “Michigan.” Sure enough, when he finally put on the maize and blue, his mom couldn’t contain her pride. “He looks amazing,” Kimberly told FOX 17, her excitement plain as day.

That pride only grew with every step he took. From Grand Rapids Christian, where he lit up the court with 1,000 points and a McDonald’s All-American nod, to Michigan, where Kimberly admitted, “I had tears in my eyes the whole game. No surprise.” She even traveled to D.C. to watch his second outing.

And when draft night came in 2023, the nerves and tears gave way to pure joy. “To hear his name get called, really just gave me a moment to reflect on the last 12 years that he’s worked so hard. It just made us proud,” Kimberly said, reliving the moment. Mike, too, couldn’t hold back. “That was probably one of the greatest moments of my life… We’ve always wanted someone in the family to make it, and obviously it had to be him.” From the first layup to the NBA stage, his parents have been his loudest cheerleaders and strongest safety net.

In the end, Kobe Bufkin’s story isn’t just about basketball—it’s about family. With parents who’ve cheered, cried, and believed every step of the way, his journey feels less like a solo climb and more like a family victory.