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2016 NBA Draft: Top 10 Safest Prospects

By Maxwell Ogden

NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 13: Jamal Murray #23 of the Kentucky Wildcats celebrates during the 82-77 OT win over the Texas A&M Aggies in the Championship Game of the SEC Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 13, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 13: Jamal Murray #23 of the Kentucky Wildcats celebrates during the 82-77 OT win over the Texas A&M Aggies in the Championship Game of the SEC Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 13, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Mar 5, 2016; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) reacts during the game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Ed and Rae Schollmaier Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2016; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) reacts during the game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Ed and Rae Schollmaier Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Buddy Hield, Oklahoma Sooners

Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 22 (12/17/1993)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’5″, 212 pounds, 6’9.25″
Slash Line: .501/.457/.880
Season Averages: 35.4 MPG, 25.0 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.1 SPG, 4.0 3PM

Buddy Hield’s inclusion could be debated based on the wide range in which he falls on draft boards. Some are slipping him into the Top 5, but regardless of when Hield is selected, it’s quite clear that he’s an NBA-caliber player.

At the very least, a general manager will land a sharpshooter who can change the dynamic of a game with a specialized skill that’s as important as any in basketball.

Hield has a prototypical build for an NBA shooting guard at 6’5″ and 212 pounds with a 6’9″ wingspan. Thus, while he’s never been an elite defender, he has the body, build, and athleticism to develop into a 3-and-D asset.

If a team drafts a starting-caliber shooting guard who can space the floor at an elite level and potentially defend their position, a successful selection will have been made.

Mind you, I’m not as high on the idea of Hield coming off of the board in the Top 5 as others appear to be. The reality is, Hield is the best shooter in this draft class, and he’s entering the NBA during a period of near absolute dependence upon the 3-point shot.

Hield does have star potential, but if he’s limited to becoming the next J.J. Redick, then a team will have landed a player who can start on a full-time basis. Call that a success.

Next: Anchoring The Interior

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