Under the Radar: Buddy Hield

Every NBA season, there are a handful of players who get underrated. Recognition should be given to these guys who have surprised almost everyone and played the game of basketball at a high level. Some of these players get underrated for more than one season, and this is exactly the case with Buddy Hield.

Last year, Hield broke out and averaged over 20 points for the first time in his career. Along with this, he was efficient and grabbed some rebounds along the way. It seems as though a lot of people tossed his season to the side, even though he upped his scoring average by seven points and was better in almost every statistical category. Playing in Sacramento, it’s certainly not the best place to be when having a great season. The losing culture mixed with years and years of bad drafting has made the Kings look like the laughing stock of the NBA.

Coming into this season, Hield wanted to prove to the NBA world that he could do the same thing again. Before the season was suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic, Hield was averaging 20 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists while shooting 43% from the field. Although he had slightly worse stats than his previous season, this is impressive nonetheless. Hield really solidified himself as one of the best marksmen in the NBA. Not only by winning the three-point contest during all-star weekend, but by shooting 40% from three while attempting ten of those a game. On the defensive side, it’s clear he still needs work but he managed to average roughly a steal per game this season and started to use his 6’4 frame in order to handle smaller guards outside on the perimeter. At the age of 27, It’ll certainly be interesting to see how his game develops as he enters the prime years of his career.