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[Saba Sports News] The Golden State Warriors have started the season strong with a 14-9 record, and Buddy Hield has been a key contributor to their success. Hield has found a home in the Bay Area, averaging 14.5 points per game while shooting an impressive 43% from beyond the arc.
After scoring 27 points in a victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday, Hield opened up about how playing with the Warriors has helped him rediscover his passion for basketball.
“Last year, I didn’t have that love [for basketball],” Hield admitted. “We wanted to find a team where I could feel appreciated and loved. Steph and Steve reached out to me during free agency, and being here with Steph, Steve, Draymond, and everybody—they’ve put their arms around me and helped me get back to my old self. This team is unselfish; they make the right play. They play the way I want to play, and on and off the court, it’s a great group of guys to be around.”
“You know, I haven’t won in this league yet, so being around these guys, you want to learn how to win. You want to see how they do things. I’m just being a sponge here, keeping my eyes open to everything they do.”
Hield joined the Warriors through a sign-and-trade with the Philadelphia 76ers, signing a two-year, $21 million deal that includes a partially guaranteed $3 million for a third year and a player option for a fourth.
His skillset, particularly his sharpshooting, has been a seamless fit for Steve Kerr’s system, filling a crucial role after Klay Thompson departed for the Dallas Mavericks in free agency.
Known for his consistent three-point shooting since his Oklahoma days, Hield has provided the Warriors with another long-range threat. The team’s success and supportive culture have reignited his passion for the game, and his contributions have been instrumental in their strong start to the season.