The Warriors are facing a critical decision regarding Buddy Hield, whose offensive production has sharply declined after a strong start this season. Once an asset in their offense, Hield’s recent performance, including averages of just 10.7 points in January, has made him a liability. With head coach Steve Kerr continuing to play him significant minutes, the team’s overall performance is suffering. To address this issue, either benching Hield or trading him should be prioritized immediately.
By the Numbers
- Hield started the season averaging 21.2 points in October but has dropped to just 8.5 points in December.
- He is currently averaging 12 points, 3.3 rebounds, and only 1.5 assists per game, his lowest since his rookie season.
State of Play
- The Warriors started the season strong at 12-3 but have since struggled as Hield’s efficiency has faltered.
- Bench options like Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski offer better defensive capabilities and playmaking than Hield currently provides.
What’s Next
If Hield’s performance continues to dwindle, the Warriors must either bench him to develop younger players or explore a trade, ideally as part of a larger deal. They could benefit from exploring options that make strategic use of Hield’s contract within a trade package.
Bottom Line
To turn their season around, the Warriors must reconsider Buddy Hield’s role on the team—either by reducing his playing time significantly or looking for a trade that can address more pressing roster needs.