The Warriors' Klay Thompson replacement is a threat to win two major awards

Buddy Hield has transformed the Golden State Warriors' offense. Currently using a nearly 13-man rotation, Steve Kerr has revived the Warriors' hopes of title contention, alongside Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and their counterparts.

One of those counterparts, Buddy Hield, has become a pivotal piece to Golden State, garnering early season attention and recognition for a potential Most Improved Player and Sixth Man of the Year award. As Golden State's sixth man, Hield could take home that multiple awards by the season's end.

In year nine, Hield's career averages currently sit at 16 points, four rebounds, and three assists, shooting 44 percent, 40 percent from three, and 86 percent on free throws. Hield averaged 12 points, three assists, and three rebounds last season, shooting 44 percent (39 percent from three) in 25 minutes. This season, Hield's numbers have vaulted, averaging 17 points and four rebounds shooting 49 percent (46 percent from three). Both percentages would mark career bests for the sharpshooter.

Nearly universally recognized as one of the league's premier shooters, Hield has the numbers to back up his shooting dominance. Not only have the last five years been special for Hield, but his numbers have stood the test of time over a decade.

Klay Thompson's replacement Buddy Hield is a serious Most Improved Player candidate.

Without his shooting this season, the Warriors are likely again fighting for a play-in spot. However, Golden State (11-3) has emerged as a top team in the league, currently tied for first in the Western Conference alongside Oklahoma City (12-4).

Early season contenders for awards are already separating themselves from the pack. Dyson Daniels and Jalen Johnson, both of the Atlanta Hawks, have shown flashes of stardom next to Trae Young for a struggling franchise.

Meanwhile, Evan Mobley and Ty Jerome of the Cavs warrant consideration for the award. Big-name players Cade Cunnigham, Tyler Herro, and Cam Thomas could make a case for Most Improved Player as well with their early season starts.

Hield's early season has been completely unexpected. Hield opened the season with 20 or more points in six of the first seven games of the season. He's cooled off since but could unleash a flurry of threes at any moment.

His shooting has opened up the court for Stephen Curry, making it even more difficult to defend the Warriors and their three-point shooting (primarily Curry). Some may even question if Buddy Hield has become a better fit next to Stephen Curry than Klay Thompson.

Considering Thompson's recent injury history and increased shooting slumps over time, the Warriors felt obligated to move on from him. By doing so, they not only saved boatloads of money, but found a near identical player for a far cheaper price. Will the Warriors be Finals contender with their new look, or will Hield's hot shooting come to a crashing end