SPLASH BUDDY!
Through five games, the Golden State Warriors have gotten off to a hot start, winning 4 outta 5. And they’ve done it primarily without the services of Stephen Curry, greatest player alive. Who is their leading scorer during his nice streak, you ask? Why, the newly acquired Buddy Hield of course!
The 6-foot-4, 31-year old Bahamian shooting guard has had a career resurgence with the Dubs after joining them in the offseason. He’s currently averaging 21.2 points per game, shooting 49% on around 15 shots per game. He’s also a red-hot 50% from beyond the arc on a little over 9 attempts per game!
Buddy Hield is leading the second best team in the West in scoring. pic.twitter.com/0QEPA9SVn3
— StatMuse (@statmuse) October 31, 2024
Now while it is certainly to early to compare what Hield is doing to the nuclear scoring prowess of former Warrior legend turned Dallas Maverick Klay Thompson, it’s a good sign to know that Coach Steve Kerr’s offense can still generate good looks for an eager sniper like Hield.
More impressive than Buddy’s shooting (cause I knew he could do that) is his defense.
He hasn’t been elite or anything but he’s played within the team structure of defense through the preseason and these past 4 games.
Still wanna see if it holds but..been very positive.
— The Warriors Invitational (@BlqMgck) October 30, 2024
Steph was asked about Buddy Hield:
“The guy just loves to play basketball. He loves to hoop. He loves to be in the gym. He’s got a great personality…”
*Yells to Buddy*
“Oh my god, I’m complimenting you right now.” pic.twitter.com/24BFsrwFk3
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) October 24, 2024
If Hield stays this hot, we might be looking at a potential All-Star berth for the former 2016 #6 overall pick. You know who picked him back then? The Pelicans, the team he’s been torching this season. He’s making good on the draft potential with the Warriors so far.