There is no denying that Buddy Hield has been a massive success for the Golden State Warriors. And as much as he has helped the Warriors on the court, the Warriors have helped him too. After the Warriors' 114-106 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, Hield talked about how being on the Warriors has helped him rediscover his love for basketball after losing it a few years ago.
"Last year, I didn't have that love [for basketball]. Just making a decision, we wanted to find a team that I can feel appreciated and loved. Coming here, Steph and Steve reaching out to me in free agency, just communicating. Being here... Everybody putting their arms around me and trying to help me get back to my old self..."
"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."
"Just being here, I'm being a sponge and keeping my eyes open... I'm just learning their championship ways and championship habits every day. It's not going to be pretty but the main objective is to win games, and have fun doing it."
Buddy Hield had a solid game last night against the Timberwolves. He put up 27 points (10-18 FG), four rebounds, two assists, and three assists. He went a dazzling 7-13 from the three-point line, staying true to the Warriors' three-point shooting ways.
After the game, Stephen Curry gave Buddy Hield his flowers, saying that he is the hardest-working player he has ever shared a locker room with. Given the elite talent that Stephen Curry has gotten to play with, that is incredibly high praise for the Bahamian baller.
This season, Hield has been balling. He has been averaging 14.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.2 blocks per game while shooting 45.3% from the field, 43.1% from the three-point line, and 92.3% from the free-throw line.
Buddy Hield: Ideal Replacement For Klay Thompson
Even before his departure this past year, the Warriors needed to replace Klay Thompson. After his major injury, Thompson was a shell of himself and was no longer playing at the level they needed him to. Inconsistent shooting nights combined with a weak defense made Thompson a liability.
Bringing in a player like Hield has been long overdue, but he has been a great replacement for Thompson. Not only is he the second great shooter that the Warriors so desperately needed, but he also plays defense at a high level, as his three steals from last night show.
The Warriors will need Hield to continue this strong run of form in the months to come. Any championship aspirations that the Warriors have rely not just on Stephen Curry, but the rest of their rotation players, including Buddy Hield.
