Who is the best shooting guard in the NBA? It probably is Klay Thompson but he’s on the shelf with an ACL. James Harden is the other leader in the clubhouse. However, there are real questions with his playing style and defensive effort. Harden may be one of those guys you never win a title with. After that, there’s a group of CJ McCollum, Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, Victor Oladipo, Jimmy Butler, and Donovan Mitchell. However, what if neither of them are really the best shooting guard in the NBA? What if Buddy Hield is the guy? What if Buddy Hield is the future? What if Buddy Hield is the best shooting guard in the NBA? I’m here to tell you that it’s looking like a strong possibility.
Call me crazy all you want. That’s fine. Let’s just state some facts here. Buddy Hield averaged over 20 points per game during the 2018-2019 season. Hield, is now just entering his 4th NBA season. That’s the time when NBA players take the next big leap. Just about to finish up their rookie contract and looking to cash in on a max. We might be in for a huge breakout season out of Buddy.
Hield is already a super efficient player. That’s the good news. That tells you a higher usage rate, and Hield could become a monster. Buddy shot 46 percent from the floor and 43 percent from 3-point range a year ago. He also knocks down 89 percent of his free throws while creating a 5.9 win share. It took Hield some time to adjust to the NBA. He’s improved leaps and bounds every year. I thought he might have been a bust as a rookie. Now he’s an established star. He’s not done yet either.
Hield is known for his work ethic. He loves to ball. He’s known for being a hard worker and has worked to perfect his shot. When you’re splashing over 40 percent from down town, you’re doing something right. Hield is just scratching the surface of his prime and brings so many good qualities to the table. He can get up and down the floor fast. Buddy can shoot the hell out of the ball. He can stretch the floor. Buddy can do pretty much everything. He’s a complete player.
Buddy Hield has established himself as the Kings best player. He’s the number one scoring option. What happens if he keeps that same efficiency and is now putting up closer to 25-27 points a night? Tell me another two-guard who’s doing that while knocking down as many shots on an efficient basis? The Kings were knocking on the door of the playoffs a year ago. Hield could put them right in the mix this year. When thinking about the best two guards in the NBA, be very careful ranking anyone ahead of Buddy Hield.
