2017 NBA Rookie Ladder: Who Can Challenge Joel Embiid?

Nov 19, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) reacts after a defensive stop against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 120-105. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 12, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Buddy Hield (24) drives past Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Lakers defeated the Pelicans 126-99. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Buddy Hield, New Orleans Pelicans

The legend of “Buddy Buckets” has been anything but to start the sesaon.

Buddy Hield hasn’t made the most of his opportunities, which is depressing considering the New Orleans Pelicans‘ backcourt situation.

Many expected him to come into camp and snag the starting shooting guard spot. That didn’t happen, as E’twaun Moore and Langston Galloway snagged those minutes.

He’s gotten better as the season’s gone on. He even had an 18-point outing against the Los Angeles Lakers when he shot 8-of-13 from the field.

But let’s call it for what it is: Hield isn’t a good NBA 3-point marksman. Yet.

His 24.6 percent shooting from beyond the arc has disappointed many who thought more of his outside shot in college.

Hield’s adjustment to the professional game hasn’t gone according to plan, but he’s still young. Jrue Holiday is finding his way back in the Pelicans rotation and Galloway and Moore are still getting major minutes.

Eventually Hield will earn himself more opportunities to shine. For now, look for him to show improvement game-by-game in the form of flashes.