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2016 NBA Draft Prospects: Breaking Down Future of Oklahoma’s Buddy Hield
- Updated: April 20, 2016
Before exploding for one of the most impressive individual seasons in recent memory, Buddy Hield had reached out to the NBA for some feedback on his 2015 draft stock.
“From what I got from the [NBA Undergraduate Advisory Committee], I need to improve my ball-handling and how to create a shot,” Hield told the Tulsa World’s Patrick Prince at the time he announced his decision to come back for his senior year.
Mission accomplished for Hield, who made the recommended adjustments while taking his shooting to an unparalleled level.
Leading Oklahoma to a Final Four appearance only strengthens his reputation. Viewed as a fringe first-round option just one year ago, Hield may now have a chance at being one of the first five players called in June.
It’s tough to have a better shooting year than Hield did, having averaged four three-point makes per game while shooting 45.7 percent from deep and 88 percent from the line. He’s the only player (since 1995) to average 25 points and register a true shooting percentage of at least 65 percent, according to Sports-Reference.com.
The only negative stat tied to Hield is his 2.3 assists per 40 minutes. Though his role was to score, playmaking isn’t a big part of his game.
Strengths
He’s not overly tall, but Hield has a strong 215-pound frame and some bounce depending on the angle he’s taking off from.
His strengths ultimately revolve around spectacular shot-making ability. He has an effortless, flick-of-the-wrist stroke and NBA three-point range, sinking an incredible 147 threes as a senior and at least 90 during each of his last three seasons.
Comfortable converting with hands in his face, Hield needs little room to release. That, along with visible confidence, leads to streak shooting and points in bunches.
An obvious spot-up threat, Hield also uses down and flare screens to free himself up off the ball. And he’s sharpened his one-on-game around the perimeter, showing the ability to create space in small-window areas, thanks to improved ball-handling and footwork.
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