Buddy Hield’s debut with the Golden State Warriors vs Kings in the preseason may not have unfolded as he envisioned. In his initial encounter against the Los Angeles Clippers, Hield struggled, shooting a mere 28 percent from the floor and concluding the game with five points over 17 minutes of play.
However, the narrative shifted dramatically in his second preseason contest against the Sacramento Kings. The former sharpshooter for the Philadelphia 76ers exhibited a remarkable performance on Wednesday night. Coming off the bench for 19 minutes, Hield took nine shots from the field, with seven of those attempts launching from beyond the arc.
Demonstrating near perfection, he converted all but one of his shots, amassing an impressive 22 points, thus spearheading the Warriors’ offensive efforts.
As the preseason acts as a vital showcase for players adjusting to new environments, it’s evident that the Warriors have ample reasons for optimism regarding Hield’s contributions thus far.
During the offseason, Hield entered free agency as an unrestricted agent, following a brief tenure with the 76ers. In February, he became a pivotal acquisition for Philadelphia during the trade deadline, having moved from the Indiana Pacers in exchange for a final 32-game stint to round out the regular season.
With the 76ers, Hield averaged 12 points per game, shooting 39 percent from three-point range. He also made his playoff debut during the 2024 postseason, participating in four of the Sixers’ six playoff games, although his playing time was significantly limited.
Despite his modest impact on the series, Hield closed his run with Philadelphia on a high note, nearly achieving hero status in Game 6 as he ignited offensively when the team faced adversity.
Following a first-round playoff exit, Sixers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey candidly assessed the situation. While he did not entirely dismiss the possibility of Hield returning to Philadelphia, all indications suggested a mutual parting was imminent.
Ultimately, Hield did re-sign with the Sixers during free agency but with no intention of remaining. Instead, he was traded to the Golden State Warriors in a monumental six-team deal, marking a significant moment in league history.
As part of this transaction, the veteran sharpshooter secured a reported four-year, $37.7 million contract. Having navigated through stints in New Orleans, Sacramento, Indiana, and Philadelphia, Hield now aspires to establish a long-term home in Golden State.