Without Klay Thompson, the Golden State Warriors experienced brief success as the top team in the Western Conference. Although they can never replace such a historical figure in franchise history, one player is doing a decent job filling Thompson’s shoes as an efficient, voluminous point shooter. The Warriors celebrated Buddy Hield’s birthday on social media.
Nov 18, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Buddy Hield (7) gestures in the first half against the LA Clippers at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
At 32, Hield provides the Warriors with production that evokes memories of Thompson, albeit on a smaller scale. Nonetheless, the new Warriors sharpshooter is on track to have a better 2024-25 season regarding counting stats and percentages.
Hield averages 14 points on 42 percent shooting from 3. The Warriors’ sharpshooter attempts 7.7 shots from deep per game. Furthermore, his 92 percent free-throw shooting provides more context for his efficiency.
Meanwhile, at 34, Klay Thompson averages 14 points on a 39 percent mark from 3 and 88 percent from the charity stripe. Although they have similar stats, Hield has more 20-plus-point efforts, with seven to Thompson’s four, including two against the Warriors.
On a cost-efficient four-year, $37.7 million contract, Hield is aging like fine wine for a Warriors team desperate for high-valued players at discounted prices.
Hield’s age and game don’t conflict as long as the 3-point stroke continues deep into the deal. Yet, as the Warriors’ 14-11 record indicates, they need more help than banking on Hield to exist as the second-best offensive player on the team. Nonetheless, Hield’s efficiencies and shooting stats reveal he is worth every candle on that birthday cake.
