Warriors reportedly looking to bring Buddy Hield off the bench despite impressive preseason outing
Buddy Hield has had an impressive offseason for the Golden State Warriors. After struggling in his debut for his new team against the LA Clippers on Oct. 5, the shooter guard has been on fire. Hield has given the Dubs a boost when he has seen action.
In the first of two matchups against the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday, he scattered 22 points on 8-for-9 shooting, including 6-for-7 from deep. The former 76ers guard followed the performance with a 10-point outing two nights later, hitting 4-of-6 shots, including 2-of-4 from behind the arc.
Warriors insider Monte Poole had this to say about what Buddy Hield’s role could be next season:
“Though there was muted speculation that Buddy Hield was a candidate to start for Warriors, coach Steve Kerr makes it apparent Buddy will be 6th man. Wants him on the floor when Stephen Curry is off. De’Anthony Melton appears to have the inside track as starting SG”
When the Golden State Warriors acquired Hield, fans and some analysts assumed he would be taking over Klay Thompson’s spot. The arrival of De’Anthony Melton, two days after Hield’s signing, made the situation more interesting. Hield is the better shooter but Melton has more impact as a two-way player.
Steve Kerr started Brandin Podziemski last season over Thompson because the rookie, who can shoot, performed well defensively. Melton can have that same impact on Kerr’s starting lineup.
Steve Kerr plans to call Klay Thompson plays for Buddy Hield
In an Oct. 9 article by ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk, Steve Kerr shared how the Warriors were planning to use Buddy Hield with Klay Thompson no longer around.
“One of the reasons we are excited to get Buddy Hield is because we will run some of the same stuff that we ran for Klay for Buddy,” Kerr said. “Draymond and Steph will be looking for him on the perimeter when they're playing with him."
If Steve Kerr allows De’Anthony Melton to take Klay Thompson’s spot in the starting lineup, Hield can boost the team off the bench. In 632 career games, Hield started in 412. He played 84 games last season, half as part of the bench mob for the Indiana Pacers and then the Philadelphia 76ers.
The No. 6 pick in the 2016 draft is a proven scorer whether he starts or not. He has averaged 15.5 points on 43.4% shooting, including 40.0% from deep. Per StatMuse, over the last five years, Hield has made the most 3-pointers in the NBA -- more than new teammate Steph Curry (1,322 to 1,264).