The Philadelphia 76ers traded multiple draft picks to acquire Buddy Hield at the 2024 trade deadline, and they quickly found out about the problems he can create for a team looking to contend. Hield is struggling to make shots for the Golden State Warriors this season, which makes him virtually unplayable. The 6’4 wing has always been a subpar defender, so without the shooting, Hield has nothing to hang his hat on.
The Sixers traded Hield to the Warriors after just 36 games. He was a DNP-CD for two playoff games as the franchise believed it had a better chance without him. Philly knew it was time to move on, and the Warriors are quickly reaching that stage.
Golden State didn’t want to trade Hield in the offseason. They fell in love with his floor spacing and shot making, but his streakiness is an issue. The Warriors are underperforming, and Hield certainly isn’t helping their cause. 76ers fans are certainly not surprised.
Warriors are finding out what the 76ers know about Buddy Hield experience
Hield is averaging 7.5 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 0.9 steals in 18.0 minutes per game so far this season. He is struggling to get on the floor because he is shooting 39.5 percent from the field and 30.0 percent from 3-point range.
The veteran sharpshooter has produced a negative-0.2 value over replacement player (VORP), which ranks him 449th of 491 players to appear in an NBA game so far this season. Golden State gets outscored by 13.0 points per 100 possessions with him on the floor and outscores their opponents by 8.4 points when he’s on the bench. He has been atrocious. Not something a team with goals of title contention wants.
The Sixers know this story well. They were 6.3 points per 100 possessions better without him in the regular season, and it jumped to 10.3 points in the playoffs. It is why they quickly moved on despite giving up multiple second-round draft picks to acquire him.
Hield is an elite shooter. Teams respect his jumper, and he can certainly change a game when he catches fire. The rest of the time, it is difficult to win his minutes. Buddy Love's subpar defense is coupled with limited playmaking and nonexistent rebounding. If he is not making shots, Hield doesn’t impact the game. The Sixers quickly found that out, but it took Golden State a bit longer to reach the exact same conclusion.
The Philadelphia 76ers have their share of regrets, but getting rid of Buddy Hield isn’t on the list. Golden State will explore their options before the Feb. 5 trade deadline. Sixers fans won’t be surprised to see him on a new team as the Dubs look to leap into serious contention.
It isn’t personal. Hield just can’t impact winning without being an elite shooter every single night. Those special occasions are fewer and further between as he ages. 76ers fans know the story all too well.