Buddy Hield is heading to the Bayou – can he continue to score at an elite rate?
The Player: Buddy Hield was the most dynamic player in college basketball last season, leading Oklahoma to the Final Four on a wave of transcendent three-point shooting. Buddy led the nation in scoring and every three-point related statistic. Not simply a shooter, Hield brings toughness, effort, and athleticism. Whether he can be a top-notch playmaker or defender is unsure, but all signs point to him working relentlessly to get there.
The Fit: New Orleans is most likely moving on from oft-injured Eric Gordon, who was never able to reach his potential with the Pelicans. Buddy Hield can step in immediately and space the floor around Anthony Davis-based pick and rolls. The up-tempo system of Alvin Gentry is the perfect system to highlight Hield’s strengths – teams are already cringing as they think of Hield spotting up in transition for wide-open three-pointers. He also fits the timeline in New Orleans to win now, and his name-power can bring fans into the arena.
The Spot: Starting shooting guard
The Grade: B
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