Buddy Hield is the man tasked with replacing the perimeter shooting the Golden State Warriors lost when Klay Thompson left for the Dallas Mavericks. Hield is one of the best volume three-point shooters in the NBA, and is averaging 40% from the 3-point line for his career.
During his introductory news conference on Thursday, July 18, Hield discussed his excitement at getting the opportunity to share the court with Steph Curry. He explained how he’s looking to learn from the Warriors superstar and hopes to incorporate some of those lessons into his own game.
“Steph, he’s the one. I’ve been watching all my life,” Hield said. “I’m a sponge. Ready to learn. Ready to watch him and see how he goes about his shooting mechanics. The way he goes about how he works, his routine. I think it’ll be an interesting year for me. … I think it’s fun. I’m excited.”
Hield, 31, isn’t guaranteed a starting spot on the Warriors roster next season. Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody will provide stern competition throughout the season. Nevertheless, his presence in the rotation will ensure the Warriors’ spacing remains elite, giving Curry the room he needs to operate on the perimeter.
The Warriors did an excellent job in pivoting to acquire Hield. He fits Steve Kerr’s offensive system and helps replace a significant portion of what the team lost when Thompson left. It will be interesting to see how he can fit next to Curry and whether the experiment pays dividends.
