Lake Show Life
Fansided

Lakers Draft Prospects: Buddy Hield Breakdown

By Cody Williams

Dec 12, 2015; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) brings the ball up the court against the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles during the first half at Lloyd Noble Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 12, 2015; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) brings the ball up the court against the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles during the first half at Lloyd Noble Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
Jan 18, 2016; Ames, IA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) dribbles against Iowa State Cyclones guard Matt Thomas (21) at James H. Hilton Coliseum. The Cyclones beat the Sooners 82-77. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2016; Ames, IA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) dribbles against Iowa State Cyclones guard Matt Thomas (21) at James H. Hilton Coliseum. The Cyclones beat the Sooners 82-77. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports /

Physical Tools

The first thing that comes to mind with Hield as an NBA prospect at shooting guard is the fact that he’s a bit undersized for the position at the next level. At just over 6-4, there are plenty of matchups in the NBA that would prove to problematic just in terms of shear size.

Moreover, his lack of height sometimes hurts him in terms of finishing around the rim. It’s not a consistent issue as Hield’s finishing has actually shown improvement from his junior season to this year, but it still shows itself on plays like this one against the Kansas Jayhawks:

However, Hield does have solid athleticism and length—boasting a wingspan just over 6-8—and has great speed in the open floor that can make him a huge threat when he gets out in transition. Also in terms of positives for Hield physically, he has the build and strength of an NBA player at the position, even if his height is problematic.

Though not technically a physical attribute, it’s important to note with Hield that he is, in fact, a senior and doesn’t have the upside in terms of growth that many of the freshman prospects in the 2016 draft class do simply due to their age. That being said, he’s also far more advanced in many aspects than many of those younger players.

Next: Offensive Breakdown

Home/Lakers Draft