SACRAMENTO – Buddy Hield has remarked several times since joining the Warriors in a historic six-team offseason trade that his draft position may have been lower if not for his new teammate, Steph Curry. While Curry was clinching his second consecutive NBA MVP title, Hield was showcasing his 3-point shooting skills during his senior year at Oklahoma.
His exceptional long-range shooting earned him every prestigious college award imaginable, leading to his selection as the No. 6 overall pick by the Sacramento Kings in the 2016 draft. Although several seasons have passed since Hield donned a Kings jersey, he reminded his former team of his shooting prowess in the Warriors’ 122-112 preseason victory Wednesday night at Golden 1 Center, scoring a game-high 22 points off the bench while shooting 6 of 7 from beyond the arc.
Steve Kerr’s offensive strategy has consistently emphasized the importance of 3-point shooting. The Splash Brothers, composed of Curry and Klay Thompson, already existed in Golden State prior to Kerr’s arrival in 2014, but his offensive approach elevated their games significantly. New players also appear to excel with their long-range shooting abilities within Kerr’s system.
It was thus easy to anticipate that Hield would seamlessly integrate and make an impact as a Warrior under Kerr’s guidance. Moreover, the recent addition of former Portland Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts to the coaching staff has begun to yield significant benefits. Kerr brought Stotts on board to enhance the offensive strategy, creating an environment conducive for players like Hield to shine.
“The elements we’re implementing with Terry, the Portland-style plays, you could see some of that in the second half,” Kerr remarked following the game. “The flare screens, Buddy is perfect for that.”
Stotts served as the Blazers’ head coach from 2012 to 2021, achieving 402 regular-season victories and making the playoffs in all but his debut season. Under Stotts, the undersized yet skillful backcourt of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum thrived, unlocking their 3-point shooting potential and reaching the Western Conference Finals against the Warriors in 2019, showcasing what a small-market team can achieve without a roster filled with superstars.
While Hield displayed his scoring ability reminiscent of a scorching Sacramento summer through his shooting, it was a moment when he facilitated the ball that underscored the collaborative principles of Stotts and Kerr.
At the start of the fourth quarter, the Warriors orchestrated a play to create an open 3-point shot for Hield in the corner, but it was not available. The next sequence featured a split action involving Kyle Anderson in the post, culminating with Brandin Podziemski scoring at the rim.
“That was a Terry Stotts play, a Portland tactic he used with Dame and CJ,” Kerr explained. “Bringing Terry on board was intended to merge his structured offensive approach with our system based on personnel. What’s fascinating about that play is that it was entirely based on Portland’s past strategies, and when we didn’t succeed, we reverted to the split actions we’ve implemented for years.”
“What I appreciate about the new elements we’re adding is how well they blend with what we already have in place.”
For over a decade, the Warriors, led by Curry, have been lauded for transforming the 3-point shot landscape. This season, they’re aiming to raise the stakes even further, having already attempted 100 three-pointers across their first two preseason outings. They took 52 shots from long range Wednesday night, landing 28, which would have set a franchise record during the regular season.
The 28 triples also provided them with a 63-point edge beyond the arc. When questioned about the quality of their 3-point opportunities, Podziemski, who recorded a game-high eight assists, attributed it to effective ball movement and collective involvement in the offensive flow. Notably, he also expressed admiration for Stotts’ contributions.
“Shout out to Coach Terry,” Podziemski stated. “He devised some excellent plays during timeouts that led to easy scoring opportunities for us.”
Throughout the preseason, Kerr has delegated responsibilities to his assistant coaches during games. As the contest unfolded, Stotts was observed directing the offense, ensuring cohesion among players, while Kerr maintained a watchful distance. When the Kings narrowed the gap to three points with three-and-a-half minutes remaining, Kerr decided it was time to intervene and called a timeout.
In that brief 60 seconds, Stotts commanded the offensive strategy, preventing Sacramento from closing in again. Lindy Waters III promptly hit a three-pointer post-timeout. A minute later, Waters added another three, extending the Warriors’ lead to 11 points, and a subsequent 3-pointer from Reece Beekman with slightly over three minutes left sealed the game, pushing the Warriors ahead by 14 points.
“He excels in communication,” Jonathan Kuminga, who tallied 16 points and sank four 3-pointers, said. “Having been a head coach, he possesses the expertise to guide us. He consistently identifies what needs adjustment and assists us on the offensive front, striving to communicate as effectively as he can.”
“This surely benefits us.”
Kerr and Stotts have opposed each other for seven seasons, meeting three times in the playoffs, with all encounters favoring the Warriors. Although it is early in the season, the collaboration between these two coaches is forming an effective offensive unit that the Warriors are eagerly embracing.
Buddy Hield Shines as Warriors Embrace New Offensive Strategy Under Terry Stotts
Introduction to the New Era
The Golden State Warriors, a franchise known for its dynamic offense and innovative gameplay, have recently made headlines by acquiring Buddy Hield. The move, executed through a sign-and-trade deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, marks a significant shift in the Warriors’ approach under head coach Terry Stotts. This article explores how Hield fits into Stotts’ offensive strategy and what this means for the team’s future.
Buddy Hield: A Perfect Fit for the Warriors
Buddy Hield, renowned for his sharpshooting and ability to stretch the floor, brings a unique set of skills that align perfectly with the Warriors’ offensive philosophy. Here’s why Hield is a valuable addition:
- Elite Three-Point Shooter: Hield has consistently been among the league leaders in three-point percentage, making him a considerable threat from beyond the arc.
- Off-Ball Movement: His ability to move without the ball creates opportunities not just for himself but also for his teammates, enhancing team dynamics.
- Versatile Scoring: Hield can score at all three levels—beyond the arc, mid-range, and at the rim—making him a multifaceted offensive weapon.
Terry Stotts’ Offensive Philosophy
Under Terry Stotts, the Warriors are expected to adopt an aggressive, modern offensive strategy that emphasizes spacing, ball movement, and player movement. Key components include:
- High-Volume Three-Point Shooting: With Hield in the lineup, the Warriors aim to increase their three-point attempts, reflecting the current NBA trend.
- Pick-and-Roll Versatility: Hield’s capability to execute pick-and-roll plays provides the Warriors with additional scoring options.
- Ball Movement: Stotts prioritizes a fluid offense where the ball moves quickly, seeking the best shot rather than forcing plays.
Strategic Benefits of Hield’s Addition
Integrating Buddy Hield into the Warriors’ offense offers several strategic benefits:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Improved Spacing | Hield’s shooting ability spreads the floor, creating driving lanes for guards like Stephen Curry and Jordan Poole. |
| Enhanced Playmaking | With more shooters on the court, the Warriors can create open looks and reduce defensive pressure on star players. |
| Increased Offensive Efficiency | A higher number of quality shot attempts can lead to improved offensive metrics and overall team performance. |
Case Studies: Hield’s Impact in Previous Teams
Examining Buddy Hield’s history with the Sacramento Kings and New Orleans Pelicans provides insight into his potential impact on the Warriors.
Sacramento Kings
In Sacramento, Hield flourished as a primary scorer and floor spacer. His best season included:
- Average Points Per Game: 20.7
- Three-Point Percentage: 39.4%
During his tenure, the Kings improved their three-point shooting efficiency and offensive rating, largely due to Hield’s contributions.
New Orleans Pelicans
Hield started his career with the Pelicans, showing flashes of his potential. His time there highlighted:
- Rookie Year Performance: Averaged 10.0 points, showcasing his scoring ability.
- Development: Transitioned into a consistent shooter, setting the stage for his future success.
These experiences underline Hield’s capability to adapt and thrive in various offensive systems.
First-Hand Experience: Insights from Coaches and Players
Feedback from coaches and players who have worked with Buddy Hield often emphasizes his work ethic and basketball IQ.
– **Coaching Insights:** Coaches commend Hield’s dedication to improving his game. His ability to learn and adapt quickly has been a significant factor in his success.
– **Player Perspectives:** Teammates highlight Hield’s positive locker room presence and his readiness to take big shots when it matters most.
Practical Tips for Warriors Offense with Hield
To maximize offensive output with Buddy Hield, the Warriors can implement the following strategies:
- Utilize Off-Ball Screens: Create opportunities for Hield to move freely and get open looks.
- Incorporate Isolation Plays: Allow Hield to exploit mismatches against slower defenders.
- Encourage Transition Offense: Hield’s speed allows the Warriors to capitalize on fast breaks.
Anticipated Challenges
While the addition of Buddy Hield brings many advantages, the Warriors may face some challenges:
- Defensive Adjustments: Hield’s defense has been a point of criticism; thus, the Warriors must ensure proper matchups.
- Integration with Existing Players: Finding the right balance with established stars like Curry and Klay Thompson will be crucial.
- Consistency: Maintaining Hield’s shooting efficiency amidst increased expectations and pressure.
Conclusion: The Future Looks Bright
As the Warriors embrace this new offensive strategy under Terry Stotts, the addition of Buddy Hield is poised to elevate their gameplay. By leveraging Hield’s sharpshooting, the Warriors can enhance their scoring and adapt to the evolving landscape of the NBA. The synergy between Stotts’ offensive system and Hield’s skill set will be pivotal in their quest for another championship run.
