Sacramento Kings: 3 takeaways from the Buddy Hield situation

By Rafe Wong | Apr 18, 2020

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 20: Buddy Hield #24 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at Golden 1 Center on February 20, 2020 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /

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Sacramento Kings (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Buddy’s role needs to change

Buddy Hield is not the only one to blame for his struggles this season. The Sacramento Kings have some owning up to do too. A big reason why the Kings’ sharpshooter took a dip in his play this year was that his role changed on the team. Like I mentioned previously, Hield was an excellent standstill shooter for the Kings who could move well without the ball and show tenacious effort on both ends. But this season was different.

This campaign, Hield was handed more responsibilities in the offense as he went from an off-the-ball shooter to a ball-handling facilitator. As a result, Hield’s decision making and dribbling skills were put on blast which hurt the Kings’ offense at times.

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There is absolutely no doubt that the best version of Buddy Hield is him being a deadly standstill shooter. Not only does this make Hield more efficient for the Kings, but his partner in crime in De’Aaron Fox would benefit more due to him being better suited for the decision-making role.

Basketball fans everywhere saw flashes last season of how deadly the Fox-Hield tandem was in the Kings’ fast-paced offense. Hopefully, Luke Walton and his team will realize that playing Hield off the ball more will thrive both him and the team.

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