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2016 NBA Mock Draft: Top Prospects Entering March Madness

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 5, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Jamal Murray (23) reacts from the court during the game against the LSU Tigers in the second half at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Jamal Murray (23) reacts from the court during the game against the LSU Tigers in the second half at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 1, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) drives to the basket against the Baylor Bears during the second halt at Lloyd Noble Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) drives to the basket against the Baylor Bears during the second halt at Lloyd Noble Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Buddy Hield, Oklahoma Sooners

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 22 (12/17/1993)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’4.5″, 215 pounds, 6’8.5″

Slash Line: .502/.470/.899

Season Averages: 35.0 MPG, 25.6 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.2 SPG, 4.1 3PM

Analysis

If this were 10 years ago, Buddy Hield would likely reside in the 20-to-25 range. That’s no slight on Hield as a player, nor is it commentary on how much, “Worse,” the NBA has supposedly become, but instead an acknowledgement of how times have changed.

Elite shooting ability can help players become genuine stars in the modern NBA, and that’s something that must be acknowledged when evaluating Hield’s pro potential.

Hield isn’t afraid of the big shot, and that seemingly common mentality is surprisingly difficult to find. Between his barrage of clutch 3-point field goals and his underrated ability to pass his teammates open, Hield is an offensive juggernaut who’s made for the clutch moments.

He’s more than capable of pacing his team through games with his ridiculous 3-point range and solid handles, as well.

Due to the NBA’s heavy emphasis on 3-point shooting, it’s more than fair to believe that Hield can be a star at the next level. Rookie Devin Booker is succeeding on the strength of his jumper, and Stephen Curry has turned the shot into the foundation for superstardom.

It’s hard to evaluate sharpshooters in the modern era, but Hield is as deserving of our faith as any sharpshooter who has come before him.

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