How Does Monte McNair Deal With Buddy Hield?
Image Source: AP Photo/Rick Bowmer
The Sacramento Kings haven’t made the playoffs in 13 years. That’s the longest active streak in the NBA. With Vlade Divac out as General Manager, Monte McNair steps in as the team’s new decision-maker. One issue he’ll need to face early on is the status of Buddy Hield.
The reigning 3-point contest champion, Hield hasn’t been secretive about his displeasure with the Kings organization. Some believe that his relationship with the head coach, Luke Walton, is the catalyst for this. Hield doesn’t have that same desire for the organization that he did the last off-season when he signed a 4-year, $94 million contracts. This has led to the notion that the Kings might want to trade Hield.
Before you think to yourself, “Why would the Kings trade away a star 3-point shooter that they just signed to a massive deal?”, consider the thought that Hield isn’t as good as he seems on paper. Sure, a 19.2 point average with a robust 9.6 3-point attempts per game seems like a solid NBA star, however, there are a lot of questions surrounding Hield’s basketball IQ.
Hield has had issues this past season with many routine plays. These things are as simple as bringing the ball up court or inbounds passes. You can lay the blame on Walton for putting him into these situations, but, as a pro, Hield should be able to carry himself and perform at a higher level.
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McNair now faces the decision of trading his troubled shooting guard away. Truthfully, it’s probably in the King’s best interest. Hield isn’t a bad player, and given the right system and coaching, he could be an All-Star. However, a coach needs to play to Buddy’s strengths. Quite frankly, that’s just letting him shoot 3’s. Walton, who prides himself on the 3-ball, expects more out of Hield. It’s not enough to just shoot 3’s, especially given the team’s lack in other areas on the court. Imagine Hield on a team that has established an identity of winning like the 76ers.
Let’s assume the Kings decide to trade away Buddy Hield. They’d ideally be looking at a package of picks in return, possibly some wing or big man help. One thing for the Kings to consider his fellow wing scorer, Bogdan Bogdanovic, who might be opting to sign with another team in free agency (assuming the Kings don’t or aren’t able to match an offer for the restricted free agent). If they lose his services, a package for Hield might require a bit more in return.
Looking at the NBA draft, there is a player the Kings should look towards to replicate Hield’s production. Aaron Nesmith, a sophomore out of Vanderbilt, is the perfect replacement. The Kings own the 12th pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. It is in that range that Nesmith is expected to be selected. The 6’6 guard/forward is considered the best 3-point shooter in the draft.
If you want to replace Hield, this is the guy you look towards. Not to mention, Nesmith has a knack for the defensive side of the ball (something Hield has no grasp of) as well. He’s a 3 and D player, perfect for the system Walton is trying to develop. Think of Nesmith as a Robert Covington type of player.
Nesmith is an option the Kings have. There’s a chance he won’t even be available for the Kings at the 12th pick, so this might not even be a feasible idea. Although, the Kings need to find a way to trade Hield. Even if the team can’t sign Bogdanovic or even fellow free agent, Kent Bazemore, taking Hield out of the equation is what’s best for business. He hasn’t shown any desire to stay in Sacramento, even taking to the media to voice displeasure. It is addition by subtraction move.
Yes, Buddy Hield is an All-Star caliber player. That doesn’t mean he’s right for the Kings.
Daniel is a guru of baseball and basketball prospects. He’s a very experienced Amusement Park traveler as well. Follow him and his hot takes on Insta @dgentleman9288
