It was an overwhelming 2024 summer for Dub Nation, courtesy of Klay Thompson deciding to depart from the Bay Area after eleven seasons (plus two more he was injured). The five-time All-Star served as a significant piece in the Warriors dynasty that won four championships between 2015-2022.
With one-half of the Splash Brothers gone, the front office found themselves in a challenging situation. Swinging to action quickly, the Warriors were fortunate to acquire a lethal shooter in Buddy Hield. The former Kings player was known for his marksmanship, especially from beyond the arc.
Traded to Philly just before the All-Star break last season, the 6-foot-4 guard failed to find his rhythm on the Sixers. Despite shooting close to 39% from the 3-point line, Hield failed to impact the game. This led to him feeling dejected and detached for some time.
Thankfully, this was short-lived as the Bahamian was blessed with an opportunity to play alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, as well as be coached by Steve Kerr. Recently, interacting with Heat veteran Udonis Haslem, Hield got candid about playing for the Warriors.
Buddy Hield Admits Joining Warriors Revived Love for Basketball
Sharing the backcourt with Steph Curry rekindled Hield’s declining competitive zeal. The former University of Oklahoma player had a solid start to his stint in the Bay Area. He set a franchise record with twelve three-pointers in his first two games. Now, the term ‘Splash Buddies’ has begun to gain a lot of traction.
Buddy Hield Reflects on Joining the Warriors
Talking to Harlem after Golden State’s win against the Timberwolves, Hield got candid about his journey. The 2016 Jerry West Award winner revealed how the Warriors restored his passion for basketball. Having closely followed his career, Haslem asked the 31-year-old what it was like to have a new perspective. The three-time Heat champion also prodded Hield about what it was like sharing the locker room with Curry and Green. Hield said,
“Last year I didn’t have the love for real. Just making a decision, we wanted to find a team that I can feel appreciated and loved. Coming out here, Steph and Steve reaching out to me in free agency, just communicating….This team, they are so unselfish. They make the right play, they play the way I want to play. On and off the court, they are a great group of guys to be around. I haven’t won yet in this league, so being around these guys, you want to learn how to win, how to do things.”
“Last year I didn’t have that love [for basketball]”
Fresh off a 7 3PT performance, @buddyhield tells @ThisIsUD how his time in Golden State has helped to rejuvenate his play and passion for the game
pic.twitter.com/Xh2Nz3ihgr
— NBA TV (@NBATV) December 9, 2024
Hield added how he was trying to be a sponge in order to absorb all the knowledge and experience imparted to him. Given his skill set, the former Pacers guard has found himself in the perfect system.
Can Hield be the Robin to Curry’s Batman?
In his 23 games so far with Golden State, Hield is averaging 14.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists on 43.1% shooting from three-point territory. The 2020 Three-Point Contest champion has had for some of his best shooting performances this season, making 75 of his 174 attempts from long-range thus far.
In Hield’s most recent game, he sank seven three-pointers against the Timberwolves on Sunday, posting 27 points in a crucial home win.
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