Buddy Hield admits that for the first time in his career, he’s no longer the best shooter on his team

Buddy Hield is among the best three-point shooters of this generation. He has been the best shooter on his team in each season of his eight-year NBA career. That will no longer be the case in 2024-25 joined Steph Curry on the Golden State Warriors in free agency.

Speaking to the Warriors media, Hield was asked if he remembers the last time he was not his team’s best shooter, responding:

No. With Tyrese Haliburton, we’d have competitive duels about that, but Steph is, he’s the one. I’ve been watching all my life so [I’ll be] a sponge.[I’m] ready to learn, ready to watch him and see how he goes about his shooting mechanics, the way he goes about he works out, his routine.

I think it’ll be an interesting year for me, just to learn from him and see how he goes about himself, his professionalism. I think that’s why I’m excited.

Hield joined the Warriors via a four-year, $38 million sign-and-trade with the Philadelphia 76ers. He had his lowest scoring output since his rookie season in 2023-24. The veteran sharpshooter averaged 12.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.5 blocks in 25.7 minutes per game.

He shot 43.6% from the field, 38.6% from three-point range and 88.1% from the free-throw line. Hield appeared in a league-high 84 games, split between the 76ers and Indiana Pacers. Golden State will mark the fifth team he has played for in his career.

For the first time in his career, Hield no longer is the best shooter on his team 😅 pic.twitter.com/e564ZJ8S0v

— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) July 18, 2024

Buddy Hield discusses his fit with the Golden State Warriors offense

Apr 17, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Buddy Hield (17) dribbles the ball against the Miami Heat during the third quarter of a play-in game of the 2024 NBA playoffs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The Golden State Warriors will look much different in 2024-25 after the departure of Klay Thompson. Buddy Hield will be expected to fill the role of a secondary shooter alongside Steph Curry. He discussed his plans to fit within Steve Kerr’s offense while speaking with the media, stating:

Just taking it day by day in practice. I think practice will help a lot and just watching a lot of film. I’ve watched these guys play my whole life in college, even in the pros.

When they play, they’re always a fun team to watch because of the ball movement and the way Steph and Draymond [Green] and Andrew [Wiggins] and the way coach Steve coaches. I just feel that it’s a good fit, but everything takes time to learn. It shouldn’t be that hard.

It will be no easy task replacing a franchise legend like Thompson, who spent his entire 13-year career with the Warriors and ranks sixth all-time in three-pointers made. Hield, however, has made the most three-pointers in the league over the past five seasons.

Buddy Hield on how he plans to fit into the Warriors' offense pic.twitter.com/CokfdTKyC3

— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) July 18, 2024

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