When Klay Thompson took his boat to uncharted waters, agreeing to sign a contract with the Dallas Mavericks, the Golden State Warriors’ first move was to sign Buddy Hield.
Hield, who spent last season with the Indiana Pacers and Philadelphia 76ers, had been looking for a long-term home. After the Sixers traded for him, he thought he’d found that in Philly with Nick Nurse. At the start of free agency, he was courted by the Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets, and Miami Heat, all championship-contenders. In the end, he chose to play for the Warriors, fascinated by how he could fill in Thompson’s shoes.
Consequently, Hield has always been considered a potential starter. While Golden State has talked up Brandin Podziemski and De’Anthony Melton, neither one of them can hold a candle to Hield’s flamethrower. On a team that built its reputation on the backs of the Splash Brothers, Hield seems like the right person to step up in Thompson’s absence.
Warriors’ Steve Kerr Has Sixth Man Role In Mind For Buddy Hield
According to NBC Sports Bay Area reporter Monte Poole, Hield will be the team’s sixth man.
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
— Monte Poole (@MontePooleNBCS) October 13, 2024
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr wants the sharpshooter on the floor when Stephen Curry is off of it. As a result, Melton —who has played well this preseason —has “the inside track” on a starting spot.
A(nother) Decision To Question
Kerr has been heavily criticized for his rotation decisions, even before the Paris Olympics. Jonathan Kuminga, a star-caliber lottery pick, is being implored to separate himself from the pack as if he hasn’t already. Moses Moody has received the same directive, as if his standout performances evaporated into thin air.
Kerr on Moody: “It’s a numbers game. The only thing any of these guys can do is go out and have a great camp and make it really hard on us as decision-makers, and Moses is having a great camp. He’s playing great. All he can do is just keep doing what he’s doing.” pic.twitter.com/UPzFIhOnhE
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) October 7, 2024
Kerr’s innovative approach may have taken the league by storm, but it’s fair to question his decisions. Is he just dogmatic about running his system of is he unable to adapt to different personnel? Is he running a meritocracy or does his history with players mean more than maximizing their success?
Should Draymond Green continue to start when he’s their least threatening scorer? If he does start, should it be at center, where he might be more dynamic?
Frankly, Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins should probably be their starting forwards. Trayce Jackson-Davis, who can assume some of Green’s playmaking responsibilities, should probably be their starting center. Yet, Kerr’s so resistant to change, it’s almost impossible to see him taking this path without being forced too.
All of that being said, he isn’t wrong about how Hield should be used.
Why It’s The Right Call
Out of every player on their roster, Hield has the best chance of replacing Thompson’s shooting. That much is definitely true. However, last season, the Warriors’ offense stalled too easily when Curry was on the bench. It was so much of a problem that it even became a talking point for Kerr.
After all, Curry isn’t getting any younger and can’t be expected to carry the team as often as he did in years past.
As a result, Hield coming off the bench as a sixth man is actually shrewd decision. When Curry’s sitting, teams still have to worry about a point guard who can heat up from beyond the arc. He can still play alongside Curry too. If one of their wings can’t capitalize from beyond the arc, Hield can be the safety net.
“He looks the part, doesn’t he? He comes off the bench, and you can feel his impact immediately. He’s not shy, and we need that.”
Kerr on if he sees Buddy Hield as a traditional sixth man on this team pic.twitter.com/8m7gcyfboZ
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) October 14, 2024
As a former sixth overall pick who has started in two-thirds of the games he’s played, there’s going to be many who look at those circumstances, saying he should start.
Still, it’s not what’s best for the team. In fact, it’s not even what’s best for Curry. He doesn’t just need a great catch-and-shoot target alongside him in the backcourt but someone who can defend at a high level.
