Buddy Hield
Shooting Guard, Oklahoma
This isn’t even close. Hield has skyrocketed from a borderline top 10 pick to the likely third selection in the draft. He’s played to his scouting report; a pure shooter and volume scorer who creates looks for himself and teammates with ease. His great leadership skills have not gone unnoticed.
But what his performance in March proved is that he is comfortable, no, thrives in big game situations. Hield had a special regular season, but he’s been in a league of his own during the tournament. In four games he’s averaging 30 points per contest, four more than the regular season. He’s incredibly efficient, shooting around 70 percent inside the three point line while flashing a hodgepodge of finishing moves near the rim.
But Hield’s most impressive attribute is his ability to find an extra gear when needed. He drilled big bucket after big bucket in a highly contested game against VCU in round two. And in the elite eight against a higher seeded Oregon, he dropped 37 points on 8-13 shooting from the three-point line. Dare I say, that’s Stephen Curry like.
Speaking of NBA comparisons, many liken Hield to James Harden, a versatile, dynamic scorer that plays both backcourt spots. High praise to be share, as Harden might be the best offensive shooting guard since prime Kobe Bryant. But the slightly undersized Hield (6-foot-4) has earned a greater contrast to one, Dwayne Wade. Like Wade and Harden, Hield can score and create for his teammates. But Hield is a reliable defender, a trait you can’t tag to Harden. And unlike Harden, Hield has a knack winning. Seems like he’s more comparable to the guy with three NBA championships and not zero.
Where does he go?
I still think LSU’s Ben Simmons and Duke’s Brandon Ingram go 1-2 in the draft, but Hield has to be the third pick to the (right now) Phoenix Suns. In some ways the fit is ideal and others, it’s not. Guards Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight both have a handful of years left on their contracts. But the Suns have a history of being guard oriented with a run-and-gun style of play. Why not pick a player who has the potential to be the best shooting guard in the NBA?
Next: Brice Johnson