Buddy's Kings debut

Buddy started again tonight. 30 minutes, a team-high 17 points on 6-of-8 shooting (3-of-5 from deep) with six rebounds and three assists.

Just as importantly, he was the only Kings starter who finished in the "+/-" ratio in the plus category. That's an indication his defense may be improving and that he's no longer a liability while on the court. Early in the year, his "+/-" was horrendous. I also remember his shooting percentages were just as painful to see. Now, he's north of 39% from three-point range, so he has a great shot at finishing over 40%. Considering how much harder it is from 3-point range in the NBA vs. college, those of you who play the game could chime in to say what 40% in the NBA equates to in college. He's also averaging 9.3 PPG, so finishing the year in double-figures is within reach as well.
 
His offense is not questionable at this point. As a rookie, he's scoring 14 ppg this month while shooting 50% from the field and 60% from three. His all around game is coming along, as he's using his jump shot to set up drives and cutting/slashing to score.

Defense, ball handling, and passing are going to be the areas he needs to improve if he wants to reach that next tier of players.
 
Just as importantly, he was the only Kings starter who finished in the "+/-" ratio in the plus category. That's an indication his defense may be improving and that he's no longer a liability while on the court. Early in the year, his "+/-" was horrendous. I also remember his shooting percentages were just as painful to see. Now, he's north of 39% from three-point range, so he has a great shot at finishing over 40%. Considering how much harder it is from 3-point range in the NBA vs. college, those of you who play the game could chime in to say what 40% in the NBA equates to in college. He's also averaging 9.3 PPG, so finishing the year in double-figures is within reach as well.

All of his stats are even better just as a King. Shooting way better than 40% from 3 as well
 
Scored 17 points. Also had 2 steals, 2nd best +/- number on the Kings roster in 31 minutes. Kings beat Orlando.
 
If buddy can become a really good defender, he will make a lot of money
 
Cut down on the turnovers and defend better. He appears to be well on his way to becoming a solid NBA player. It's early yet, but that next contract could be pretty nice!
 
He's rebounding pretty well -- had six boards last night.
 

I watched most of this game. I tend to watch more Spurs games than most others. Sean Elliott was pretty high on Buddy. He usually is pretty hard on players and especially young players.

The future seems bright for Buddy
 
Buddy has really turned things around since joining the Kings. Great for him.
 
Wow. Mandatory watching there. Hield might be a bigger player in the NBA than i thought if he can play like that

It really looks like Buddy is figuring things out. That reverse spin fadeaway seems like an unstoppable shot for him.

One thing I noticed in the games a couple of weeks ago is that in the 3rd and 4th quarters teams were really able to shut him down. I think it's only a matter of time until he adjusts to that.
 
I'm still just pissed Buddy didn't end up in Minnesota. That would have been an ideal fit. Instead they just lit their pick on fire with Kris Dunn.

What I am worried about is that the King's won't surround Buddy with any talent, because I don't think he's ever going to be a legitimate number 1 option in the league. If he's being asked to score 25 points a game I think he will struggle.
 
Damn the Kings are horrible. As happy as I am to having Buddy here now (19 pts, 4 boards, 2 assists halfway through the 4th on 7/12 shooting) it's just rough watching. Wish I could've had Boogie + Buddy together, damn the Pels for taking him.
 
Damn the Kings are horrible. As happy as I am to having Buddy here now (19 pts, 4 boards, 2 assists halfway through the 4th on 7/12 shooting) it's just rough watching. Wish I could've had Boogie + Buddy together, damn the Pels for taking him.

The pels didn't take him, vlade gave him away
 
Damn the Kings are horrible. As happy as I am to having Buddy here now (19 pts, 4 boards, 2 assists halfway through the 4th on 7/12 shooting) it's just rough watching. Wish I could've had Boogie + Buddy together, damn the Pels for taking him.

if they can get their **** together in the draft, they could really build. Supposed to be a very good draft year, and as of now they will have the #6 and #8 picks. Can get a good PG and Wing to pair with Buddy, WCS and the Greek
 
Buddy had a big night tonight against the Warriors: 22 points in 33 minutes on 7-of-14 shooting (4-of-9 from deep, 4-4 from the line), with 8 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 steals.
 
I don't believe I'm overlooking anybody, but someone please correct me if I'm wrong. With only about 10 or so games left in the season, the 2016 Draft class scoring champion looks to be a 3-horse race. Malcolm Brogden leads at 10.1 PPG, Buddy Hield is next at 9.8 and Jamal Murray is at 9.5. There are some others in the 8-9 range, but I think they're going to run out of time. Embid will win ROY and Sakic will be runner-up, but they're rookies like Blake Griffin was a rookie in 2011.

For purposes of following Buddy, I'm more interested in tracking the 2016 draft class. Right now, Buddy should be on the All-NBA rookie 1st team. Considering what his stats looked like going into December, it's actually quite a feat.
 
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