Buddy Hield was the sixth overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. At the time, the Golden State Warriors were coming off an NBA-best 73-9 record and had the 30th and final first-round pick, so he knew going into the draft that he would end up playing somewhere outside the Bay Area.
But he still dreamed of combining his superior three-point shooting skills with the most modern, three-point-heavy offense in NBA history at the time, led by the best, and possibly the second-greatest, three-point shooter in NBA history.
Now an established veteran with nearly 2,000 three-pointers made in his career, good for 22nd in league history, Hield can finally admit that playing for the Warriors has been a lifelong dream as he prepares to play for his fifth NBA team after agreeing to a sign-and-trade with the Warriors.
As part of his first activities as a member of the Warriors, Hield attended a Warriors camp at San Francisco State University with other members, playing basketball with kids and helping out with practices. In an on-camera interview reflecting on the event, Hield said he was “very happy” when he found out he had the opportunity to join the Warriors.
“I've known for years that the Warriors are a team I've always wanted to play for,” Hield said. “The way they move the ball, they're always in championship mode. I want to learn from guys like Steph, Draymond, Steve and Andrew. I respect the way they approach the game and I want to be a part of it and see what it's like to be on this team.”
Hield also praised the Warriors for evolving the sport and building a culture that's centered around winning and having fun. He seems excited about heading to San Francisco, and hopes his on-court adjustment is as good as his attitude.
