New Orleans Pelicans Buddy Hield, Kings at an impasse: Does he make sense for Pels?
By Corey Hardy
Once selected as their sixth pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, Buddy Hield could be a logical fit for the New Orleans Pelicans, should the Kings not pay the man.
It’s obvious in the way David Griffin speaks about his “war chest” and how the New Orleans Pelicans plan to build their roster around the strengths of their young pieces that major roster changes loom.
By many accounts, the young veteran pieces favored most by Griffin and head coach Alvin Gentry are Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram. The latter enters 2019 in a pivotal contract year.
Ingram was on a tear in the 2018-19 season, before a blood clot in his arm ended his campaign. He was shooting 55% from the field and 38% from deep while averaging 23/6/3. The Pelicans coaching staff will give this roster every chance to mesh and will give Ingram an opportunity to prove his value, with some suggesting that value exceeding $30 million annually.
The pending Ingram conundrum presents an interesting, if not mouth-watering hypothetical, in the event the New Orleans Pelicans decide it’s $30 million is better spent elsewhere. Recently, it’s been reported that there is tension rising in the extension talks between the Sacramento Kings and Buddy Hield.
Remember Hield? The Pelicans first-round draft pick in 2016 who was traded to the Kings in the deal that acquired DeMarcus Cousins. Hield is said to be seeking in the range of 4 yrs/$110 million. Sacramento reportedly has a standing offer of about $90 million over the same period.
In his first three years in the league, Hield has proven his age coming out of college was not as much an issue as once projected.
He quickly assimilated to the NBA and in his third year, is one of the deadliest 3-point shooters in the NBA, averaging 42% on 8 3-point attempts per 36 for his career.
If the Pels were to deal for Hield, it’s likely to include players like E’twaun Moore, Frank Jackson, or Josh Hart. The guard rotation, as a result, gets less crowded.
It’s far too early to make a judgment on Ingram’s long-term fit for the Pelicans, but it’s quite simple to see how easily Hield’s game would slide into this roster. Hield has steadily improved his perceived weaknesses coming out of college and would transition nicely back to where it all began.
Shooters do not typically enter the league as great defenders; Hield is no exception. But he’s grown better at interrupting passing lanes and he loves to push the pace thereafter. Hield also boasts solid rebounding numbers for a guard at 5.5 per 36.
This is not to suggest that Hield is a better fit than Ingram. The Pelicans may very well conclude that the 22-year old has proven to be worth a $30 million annual investment.
dark. Next. How high can Zion climb in his rookie year?
But Gentry has made it clear that rebounding guards are a priority in his scheme, as they are most effective at initiating early offense. Monday is the deadline for Sacramento and Hield to agree to an extension. If Tuesday comes without that happening, be assured Hield’s name will be atop the mind for Griffin and company.