[ChicagoCaseyParticipant]

 First, I have to say this is not a Buddy Hield bashing post, I believe he is worthy of a top 7 pick. I have to say that because I had a conversation on youtube about Buddy Hield pro potential. I fell like you people on this site are smarter than the youtube commenters, they didn’t get the point I was trying to make. The convo started when I said that I wouldn’t take Buddy Hield over Ben Simmons and Brandon Ingram because they have more potential and that Buddy Hield potential is pretty limited.

A main topic of the convo was that Buddy Hield has a limited ceiling. My point was that he had time to develop physically and mentally to thrive as a college senior than a player that is coming straight out of high school. You would expect a senior to be more dominated than a freshman, but that does not mean that he will be better as a pro. I made the situation comparison to Jimmer Fredette, not comparing games. You wouldn’t take Jimmer over Kyrie because he was more dominate than Kyrie Irving in college.

What y’all take on Buddy Hield as a pro?

 

 

[ballislyfe25Participant]

Buddy will be a good pro and I don’t see why he couldn’t end up as one of the top players from this draft class when we look back on it. His shooting should translate well, he’s not afraid to get into the paint, and he can defend his position. All-Star? I don’t think so. Solid starter on a good team? That’s where I’m placing my money.

I agree with most of your post and it seems like you, along with others, really believe Hield’s ceiling is limited based on his game, which is a fine/fair assessment. However, I think we should stop using the fact that a player is an upperclassman or has thrived after their freshman or sophomore year as a reason to knock the player or say they have a limited ceiling. There are a few nice players playing in the Bay Area and San Antonio who stayed more than 1-2 years in college and, were not only NBA ready, but improved tremendously once they reached the pro level. If anything, Hield now has more time to work on his weak points, including explosiveness/athleticism, as he will now be a full-time professional basketball player and he may suprise us with what he is able to do.

[ChicagoCaseyParticipant]

Yeah, I’m using the fact that he is an upperclassment to knock down his long term potential in comparison to the likes of the underclassment. Buddy Hield is 6’4" 215, not overally long or super athletic. If he had better physical tools and athletic ability the stance would change. I believe he will be a solid started or a fantastic 6th man.

[mamadouParticipant]

Ben Gordon was 6th men of the year…as a rookie.

27 mins 15 PPG 40% 3 pts shooter for his shortened career.

Hield is a bit taller, 1 year and a half older, both strictly SG, same role/ceiling IMO.

I think he’s a pelican, gordon…eric, is done.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[mamadouParticipant]

Ben Gordon was 6th men of the year…as a rookie.

27 mins 15 PPG 40% 3 pts shooter for his shortened career.

Hield is a bit taller, 1 year and a half older, both strictly SG, same role/ceiling IMO.

I think he’s a pelican, gordon…eric, is done.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ChicagoCaseyParticipant]

Yeah, I’m using the fact that he is an upperclassment to knock down his long term potential in comparison to the likes of the underclassment. Buddy Hield is 6’4" 215, not overally long or super athletic. If he had better physical tools and athletic ability the stance would change. I believe he will be a solid started or a fantastic 6th man.

[ballislyfe25Participant]

Buddy will be a good pro and I don’t see why he couldn’t end up as one of the top players from this draft class when we look back on it. His shooting should translate well, he’s not afraid to get into the paint, and he can defend his position. All-Star? I don’t think so. Solid starter on a good team? That’s where I’m placing my money.

I agree with most of your post and it seems like you, along with others, really believe Hield’s ceiling is limited based on his game, which is a fine/fair assessment. However, I think we should stop using the fact that a player is an upperclassman or has thrived after their freshman or sophomore year as a reason to knock the player or say they have a limited ceiling. There are a few nice players playing in the Bay Area and San Antonio who stayed more than 1-2 years in college and, were not only NBA ready, but improved tremendously once they reached the pro level. If anything, Hield now has more time to work on his weak points, including explosiveness/athleticism, as he will now be a full-time professional basketball player and he may suprise us with what he is able to do.

[SeattleSuperChronicsParticipant]

 I compare buddy hield to a less selfish nick young

[SeattleSuperChronicsParticipant]

 I compare buddy hield to a less selfish nick young

[220Participant]

 Whenever I watch Buddy Hield his game reminds me of JJ Redick. Solid played and a good shooter, but I don’t imagine he gets much better than he is currently. His skill set is one every NBA team needs.

[220Participant]

 Whenever I watch Buddy Hield his game reminds me of JJ Redick. Solid played and a good shooter, but I don’t imagine he gets much better than he is currently. His skill set is one every NBA team needs.

[TravelinTravParticipant]

Its tough for people to give anyone credit, Simmons can’t shoot, supposedly Heild isn’t athletic. Last year Towns was too raw and years from being a good pro, Wiggins wasn’t "mean" enough mentally etc etc……Any giving draft every player will appear not to be perfect because there not. 

I think Buddy could be top 3-5 player in the draft. Most people don’t peak until 26-29. He has time to improve. 

[TravelinTravParticipant]

Its tough for people to give anyone credit, Simmons can’t shoot, supposedly Heild isn’t athletic. Last year Towns was too raw and years from being a good pro, Wiggins wasn’t "mean" enough mentally etc etc……Any giving draft every player will appear not to be perfect because there not. 

I think Buddy could be top 3-5 player in the draft. Most people don’t peak until 26-29. He has time to improve. 

[Taylor Gang MikeParticipant]

 I like Buddy, I see so much Jodie Meeks in his game. But he can be more. I would say he is more Allan Houston though. Smooth, great jumper and can get to the rack. 

[Taylor Gang MikeParticipant]

 I like Buddy, I see so much Jodie Meeks in his game. But he can be more. I would say he is more Allan Houston though. Smooth, great jumper and can get to the rack. 

[TRC1991Participant]

 Buddy will be a smaller version of Joe Johnson at the next level. Don’t sleep on him. He’ll be the type to quietly put up 18, 5 and 4 on 45/35/85 shooting

[TRC1991Participant]

 Buddy will be a smaller version of Joe Johnson at the next level. Don’t sleep on him. He’ll be the type to quietly put up 18, 5 and 4 on 45/35/85 shooting

[MopgrassParticipant]

 Unlike Jimmer, he’s.crafty getting to the rim. He’s not a huge leaper, but he does have some quickness and mobility. Jimmet is naturally top-heavy, barrel chested. Had he been 6’7" or 6’10" , he’d have it made as a forward (so would a lot of people). But guards all get around him. Hield is built pretty evenly. 

A lot of guys shoot the 3 ball well in college, but he’s shooting around 90% from the line. That’s something most pros never get to. Dude can shoot, he’s crafty, and he’s not going to tip over like Jimmer. 

[MopgrassParticipant]

 Unlike Jimmer, he’s.crafty getting to the rim. He’s not a huge leaper, but he does have some quickness and mobility. Jimmet is naturally top-heavy, barrel chested. Had he been 6’7" or 6’10" , he’d have it made as a forward (so would a lot of people). But guards all get around him. Hield is built pretty evenly. 

A lot of guys shoot the 3 ball well in college, but he’s shooting around 90% from the line. That’s something most pros never get to. Dude can shoot, he’s crafty, and he’s not going to tip over like Jimmer. 

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

 I like Buddy Hield’s game.  Great skill set.  Decent size and solid athleticism. 

Maybe he won’t reach his upside.

Maybe nobody else will either.

3 pointers aren’t going out of style any time soon.

Scoring and floor spacing are still things.

Supposedly rebounding translates and Buddy rebounds fairly well for a 6’4 shooting guard.

If you look closely you can find holes in his game obviously, but all-around he looks like a prototype 2 guard.

If your team needs an alpha gunner, why not take a look at Buddy Hield?

Me, personally?

I don’t think I would want the 1st pick this year.

I would rather have Buddy Hield at 4 or 5 than Ben Simmons at 1, for value purposes and overall asthetics.

At least I know what Buddy Hield is.  What is Ben Simmons?  A 3 or a 4?  A point forward would be his best spot, but he would still need great guards and a great rim protector.  If he is a 4 can he guard guys like Anthony Davis, Blake Griffin, or Kristaps Porzingas, or even a veteran brute like Zach Randolph?  Then at the 3 you have some tall, long, athletes like LeBron, Durant, Kawhi Leonard, or even Rudy Gay/Carmelo Anthony/Gordon Hayward types who make Ben Simmons look average to slightly above average in terms of size, length, and athleticism. 

I kind of want a scorer who can shoot from 3, space the floor, and rebound.  Give me Buddy Hield or Sabonis a bit lower in the draft.  I think Hield has more value at 5 and Sabonis has more value at 10 than Ben Simmons has at 1.  Simmons might be closer to Danny Manning, or Lamar Odom, or Boris Diaw than Magic Johnson or LeBron James. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

 I like Buddy Hield’s game.  Great skill set.  Decent size and solid athleticism. 

Maybe he won’t reach his upside.

Maybe nobody else will either.

3 pointers aren’t going out of style any time soon.

Scoring and floor spacing are still things.

Supposedly rebounding translates and Buddy rebounds fairly well for a 6’4 shooting guard.

If you look closely you can find holes in his game obviously, but all-around he looks like a prototype 2 guard.

If your team needs an alpha gunner, why not take a look at Buddy Hield?

Me, personally?

I don’t think I would want the 1st pick this year.

I would rather have Buddy Hield at 4 or 5 than Ben Simmons at 1, for value purposes and overall asthetics.

At least I know what Buddy Hield is.  What is Ben Simmons?  A 3 or a 4?  A point forward would be his best spot, but he would still need great guards and a great rim protector.  If he is a 4 can he guard guys like Anthony Davis, Blake Griffin, or Kristaps Porzingas, or even a veteran brute like Zach Randolph?  Then at the 3 you have some tall, long, athletes like LeBron, Durant, Kawhi Leonard, or even Rudy Gay/Carmelo Anthony/Gordon Hayward types who make Ben Simmons look average to slightly above average in terms of size, length, and athleticism. 

I kind of want a scorer who can shoot from 3, space the floor, and rebound.  Give me Buddy Hield or Sabonis a bit lower in the draft.  I think Hield has more value at 5 and Sabonis has more value at 10 than Ben Simmons has at 1.  Simmons might be closer to Danny Manning, or Lamar Odom, or Boris Diaw than Magic Johnson or LeBron James. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 I hate the argument that because a player doesn’t have world class physical tools that somehow he has limited upside.  He’s already a better basketball player than most with better physical tools.  It’s just incredibly lazy to me.  If you can play you can play, and there are plenty of examples for that.  Physical profile matters,  but some people use it as the end all be all for prospect evaluation and quite frankly,  it’s idiotic.

[ChicagoCaseyParticipant]

 Disagree. A 6’8" 240IBS 18yr old SF w/ a 40ince vertical have a significant more upside than a 6’6" 235IBS 23yr old SF w/ a 32ince vertical. Physical tools + Athletic ability is key for potential. Not saying Buddy Hield cannot improve his game, but if he was doing his thing at a 18yr old freshman, being 6’6", and have a 40" inch vertical would help his long term potential.

It’s not the end all, be all in terms of evaluating prospects, but it does have meaning and it is significant. If Jimmer Fredette had elite quickness, leaping ability, and was a inch or 2 taller, he would still be in the NBA and might be a star in this league. You have to evaluate their physical and athletic ability.

 

[ChicagoCaseyParticipant]

 Disagree. A 6’8" 240IBS 18yr old SF w/ a 40ince vertical have a significant more upside than a 6’6" 235IBS 23yr old SF w/ a 32ince vertical. Physical tools + Athletic ability is key for potential. Not saying Buddy Hield cannot improve his game, but if he was doing his thing at a 18yr old freshman, being 6’6", and have a 40" inch vertical would help his long term potential.

It’s not the end all, be all in terms of evaluating prospects, but it does have meaning and it is significant. If Jimmer Fredette had elite quickness, leaping ability, and was a inch or 2 taller, he would still be in the NBA and might be a star in this league. You have to evaluate their physical and athletic ability.

 

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 I hate the argument that because a player doesn’t have world class physical tools that somehow he has limited upside.  He’s already a better basketball player than most with better physical tools.  It’s just incredibly lazy to me.  If you can play you can play, and there are plenty of examples for that.  Physical profile matters,  but some people use it as the end all be all for prospect evaluation and quite frankly,  it’s idiotic.

[connybucketsParticipant]

To quote the great Mike Ditka:"Doesn’t matter how fast he is, how high he can jump, or how much he can bench. If he can play he can play."

[connybucketsParticipant]

To quote the great Mike Ditka:"Doesn’t matter how fast he is, how high he can jump, or how much he can bench. If he can play he can play."

[HitsterParticipant]

 Buddy who will turn 23 this year may well have less upside than an 18/19 year old but the flipside is he will be more NBA ready and may be a less risky pick.

Personally I feel there is no way he will go top 3, he stands a chance to go maybe 5th. Personally I see his draft range as 6 to 8. Taking a player there is a lot different to taking a player at 1 to 3. With a top 3 pick you hope for a real star player possible franchise changer, in the 6 to 8 range you look for a player who should improve the team.

As said above being an elite 3pt shooter won’t do his draft stock any harm. SB Nation have ran an article how Buddy is the best college shooter since Steph Curry MVP. I’m not saying that Hield will become the next Curry but 8 teams passed on Curry and Hield’s draft stock is perhaps a bit higher than Curry’s was back in his draft year.

I don’t see Hield being a true superstar but as I said on another post, he has a great shot at having a solid decade plus NBA career on the right team either as a good starting SG whose main strength is shooting or as a real impact 6th man.

 

 

 

[HitsterParticipant]

 Buddy who will turn 23 this year may well have less upside than an 18/19 year old but the flipside is he will be more NBA ready and may be a less risky pick.

Personally I feel there is no way he will go top 3, he stands a chance to go maybe 5th. Personally I see his draft range as 6 to 8. Taking a player there is a lot different to taking a player at 1 to 3. With a top 3 pick you hope for a real star player possible franchise changer, in the 6 to 8 range you look for a player who should improve the team.

As said above being an elite 3pt shooter won’t do his draft stock any harm. SB Nation have ran an article how Buddy is the best college shooter since Steph Curry MVP. I’m not saying that Hield will become the next Curry but 8 teams passed on Curry and Hield’s draft stock is perhaps a bit higher than Curry’s was back in his draft year.

I don’t see Hield being a true superstar but as I said on another post, he has a great shot at having a solid decade plus NBA career on the right team either as a good starting SG whose main strength is shooting or as a real impact 6th man.

 

 

 

[jrblazeParticipant]

 polished and will contribute right away. 

[jrblazeParticipant]

 polished and will contribute right away. 

[Hype Machine]

 I think Hield can be as good as pre injury Gilbert Arenas.

 

 

[Hype Machine]

 I think Hield can be as good as pre injury Gilbert Arenas.

 

 

[mamadouParticipant]

Why that terrible comp sir ?

Arenas was a beast lead guard listed as a scoring point, chucker, 10 FTA, top 5 scorer, all star, FP, 3 times all nba….kinda Harden before Harden.

Hield is strictly a SG with a pretty poor handle for an old senior, he was a better passer as a scrub freshmen than he is now(sigh), when he’ll be POY….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[mamadouParticipant]

Why that terrible comp sir ?

Arenas was a beast lead guard listed as a scoring point, chucker, 10 FTA, top 5 scorer, all star, FP, 3 times all nba….kinda Harden before Harden.

Hield is strictly a SG with a pretty poor handle for an old senior, he was a better passer as a scrub freshmen than he is now(sigh), when he’ll be POY….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Hype Machine]

Just my 2c. His game just reminds me of Gilbert Arenas the way he throws up shots and attacks the rim. Similar size…

Lets be honest…getting people to agree on comparisons here is about as likely as Manute Bol winning a limbo contest.

I’ve seen comparisons thrown out because one players girlfriend likes pink pantys, and the other’s likes going commando. 

Nonetheless, I appreciate referring to me as ‘Sir’…but given the number of garbage posts I make here daily, I’m not sure that level of respect is warranted.

 

 

 

[Hype Machine]

Just my 2c. His game just reminds me of Gilbert Arenas the way he throws up shots and attacks the rim. Similar size…

Lets be honest…getting people to agree on comparisons here is about as likely as Manute Bol winning a limbo contest.

I’ve seen comparisons thrown out because one players girlfriend likes pink pantys, and the other’s likes going commando. 

Nonetheless, I appreciate referring to me as ‘Sir’…but given the number of garbage posts I make here daily, I’m not sure that level of respect is warranted.

 

 

 

[JoeWolf1]

I suspect Buddy’s max vert will be just shy of 40”, maybe 37 or 38. I think you guys are sleeping on him as an athlete. For a 6’4” guy (6’8.5” wingspan by the way) he throws down quite a few dunks, and regularly blows past guys using his first step.

Those aren’t even his calling cards. If he were strictly a slasher then maybe you could be more critical of those tools, but he’s such an excellent shooter makes me a little less concerned that he’s not a LaVine level athlete (seriously, who is?).

I feel Buddy can be a 20 ppg scorer in the NBA. With the way the game is played now, I think Oklahoma’s pace, and Hield’s ability to knock down shots while playing an up-tempo style has prepared him extremely well for the jump to the next level.

[JoeWolf1]

I suspect Buddy’s max vert will be just shy of 40”, maybe 37 or 38. I think you guys are sleeping on him as an athlete. For a 6’4” guy (6’8.5” wingspan by the way) he throws down quite a few dunks, and regularly blows past guys using his first step.

Those aren’t even his calling cards. If he were strictly a slasher then maybe you could be more critical of those tools, but he’s such an excellent shooter makes me a little less concerned that he’s not a LaVine level athlete (seriously, who is?).

I feel Buddy can be a 20 ppg scorer in the NBA. With the way the game is played now, I think Oklahoma’s pace, and Hield’s ability to knock down shots while playing an up-tempo style has prepared him extremely well for the jump to the next level.

[Author]

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