Buddy Hield and the Sacramento Kings. It’s a relationship that has been on the minds of many over the last few seasons.
Following the Kings exit in the Orlando Bubble last season, Hield made this comment.
Buddy Hield on how he views this off-season and if he’s content staying with the same roles he’s played recently:
“Y’all know me. Ya’ll know how I talk. Ya’ll know how I feel. Ya’ll can read me well, so I’ll let ya’ll answer that yourselves.”
— The Kings Herald (@thekingsherald) August 13, 2020
Then came reports of Hield not picking up head coach Luke Walton’s calls. Then there was the reports of him liking tweets that reflected negatively on the franchise. This week, a report indicated that the Kings have spoken to several teams about trading him.
Which leads us to Saturday and Hield’s first media call of this new season. The 27-year-old Hield was asked if there is work that needs to be done to mend relationships and if he has any regrets about anything that has happened in the past year.
“I have no regrets. There’s nothing to be worked on. I never had a problem with nobody here. Everything that’s being heard wasn’t put out by me. I love everybody here in this franchise, this organization so I don’t regret nothing I said, he said. I’m going to keep it 100.
Asked if there is still frustration after his comments after the Orlando Bubble he said, I’m here to play basketball, win games and that’s my main focus. Trying to turn things around, that’s all I’ve been focus on. Trying to win games. Everything that comes with it, comes with it, but I’m just locked in on that.”
With Bogdan Bogdanovic now in Atlanta, one would assume that Hield would shift back into the starting lineup this season next to De’Aaron Fox. Walton was non-committal earlier this week when asked about this, saying it will come down to what he feels is best for the team.
Hield said everything in life has to be earned.
That’s not my job. I don’t control that, the head coach controls that. ¦ You’ve got to earn your job so there’s nothing free in this world. I came from the Bahamas to come to the NBA that was my dream. I beat those odds out so I’m a fighter man. I’ll compete for whatever is supposed to be mine and if it’s not mine then it won’t be, so this is fun for me. I just love competing, said Hield, who also said whatever the teams needs him for he will do.
With the theme out of training camp being that the Kings will be playing with more pace this season, Hield was asked about that and what the addition of Alvin Gentry to the coaching staff could mean for the team.
“Just knowing Alvin’s [Gentry] track record and the way he played in New Orleans and just watching their team play last year it reminds me of us when we had Dave [Joerger], he said.
The Kings, of course, played with a lot of pace under Joerger and that was slowed down by Walton last season. Hield’s efficiency dropped in that transition, from 45 percent from the field and 42 percent from three in 2018-19, to 42 percent from the field and 39 percent from three last season.
Hield closed out his media session by answering a question about if some of the drama has taken away from his love for the game. He said it hasn’t and called his job a blessing and that he loves working out, going to the gym and just hearing the ball bounce in the gym like he did when he was a little kid at the park.
You can watch Buddy’s media session here:
These comments are Buddy knowing that the more value he has, the quicker he’s getting traded. Tanking his own value might keep him on the Kings longer. At least he’s smart enough to understand that much and good for Monte getting him on the same page.
Buddy is saying everything they asked him to… traded by the end of the week?
Probably to the Beijing Ducks for cash considerations ð.
That attitude wouldn’t even work in Beijing
Maybe not? But look at it this way – Buddy got the big contract he was looking for AND might get moved out of an organization that makes him unhappy. That’s a win.
This happens around the league all the time. It’s leverage.
Surprised his agent hasn’t already told him that last summer….
Perhaps Monte already commands more respect from the players and agents than Vlade?
Whoa, Luke Walton is actually making an expression in that photo!
Looks like Buddy’s agent got him to attend basic optics 101.
I think everyone involved knows how Buddy feels. This doesn’t change that. He’s just showing he’ll say the company line if it’s needed.
McNair probably called his agent and said Your client can go to Detroit or Philadelphia, his choice.
The 99 % of the 1 percent understand optics
Somehow a normal boring agent approved answer made me feel good.
Yep, whatever expedites his departure is welcome
Sacramento is basketball hell.
Buddy, your job is a blessing, so thanks for saying that.
Buddy is in an abusive relationship with himself.
Kings are bad with him.
Kings will be bad without him.
Buddy is too old to be young, and to young to be old.
I’d rather have the draft pick.
Is this a poem?
Roses are red,
Violets are blue.
Some poems rhyme,
Some don’t.
Strangely yet beautifully put
Bravo for your name!
I must say I am right with you. Bravo
Thanks. RF was so smooth.
ooohh I hope this is a thing. Please do more!
This is bad
After all his negative comments over the last two years or so, anything he says at this point just rings hollow to me. He comes off as two faced. Two years ago he was my favorite King and now I just look forward to him being traded.
But kudos to him for saying the right things so as to help increase the chances of a trade. Buddy should fetch two firsts at a minimum considering that was the cost for Covington and teams don’t seem to value firsts like they used to anyways. Wouldn’t surprise me if Monte demands a first and a good you g player.
I think Buddy would be a great fit next to Murray and Jokic in Denver and increase their odds as a true contender given the dynamic of one of the best pure shooters in the game getting countless open looks off Murray and Jokic.
Enter Michael Porter Jr.
What would a Buddy for MPJ trade look like? We’d have to attach a future first?
Given they lost Jerami Grant, I could also see Den interested in Holmes as part of the package.
Pipe dream I know, Den isn’t giving up MPJ in a Buddy trade, but man, a core of Fox, Haliburton, MPJ and Bagley would start to re-peak my interest in watching the team and substantially rekindle my fandom.
That deal isn’t going to happen respectfully. Denver wont elevate their defensive concerns for the cost of giving up on Porter simply on the illusive scarcity of large multi positional wings on the rookie scale. It’s still the biggest exception a team can have if it materializes.
Ive said I don’t think Buddy will be move this season, but the team I keep returning too in a years time is Orlando. It’s wishful thinking aas well, but I question that front office. With Fournier expiring, a likely pricy Fultz extension and Isaac extension, I dont think it impossible to see a sign and trade for match deals with Hield and Isaac. Injury concerns and already 26 and 18 plus million commitment to their front court in Gordon and Vucevic, I would think them possibly dubious in extending Isaac. I dont think that deal is likely either, as they could likely ship Gordon if their commitments get pricy, but thats the carrot I think has at least some possibility and would be a coup for the Kings.
In a years time at 20 per I expect some things to present themselves. But I think this year a deal is doubtful.
I too have thought Orlando is a likely trade destination for Buddy. Fournier recently opted into the last year of his deal and the Magic may be looking for a long term shooter to go with Fultz. With Orlando owning all of their picks I could see Fournier and a heavily protected 2022 first for Buddy, something like a 3 year possible conveyance that eventually turns into a couple of 2nd rounders.
The math is simple to just do Buddy for Gordon straight up, but I think McNair wants to free up front court minutes for Bagley. Having all of Whiteside, Holmes, Bagley, Nemanja and Gordon on the roster would likely dictate another immediate move.
I would do a Buddy for Gordon swap. But mostly if you don’t get lucky in the draft. (I’m negotiable on this point. ) A Bagley- Gordon – Barnes front line is intriguing if they can get defensive boards and enough stops.
for the sake of all parties involved, I hope they’re able to find Buddy a new home before the season starts.
Especially if it’s strictly draft picks coming back and filler, would def assist the tank then to have him gone asap.
Buddy Love
Fantastic headline
From Buddy to Buddy
Buddy’s a great player I’m glad things appear to be okay between him and the organization. I don’t think the recent media outings only mean that we’re trying to boost his trade value, I think it also means we’re getting ready to start the season with him. He’s been my favorite player the last 2 years so I hope so. I also think he’s happy to be here and happy to have gotten the nod over Bogdanovic, and I think he’s a better player, With more potential for improvement. It would be silly to trade him and rebuild with the draft and hope for someone as good as him. You should boot the coach before dismantling this team, cuz he hasn’t done much to improve it. Coach doesn’t make me Sacramento proud obviously, but for some reason Buddy actually does, probably cuz he shows a lot of heart and personality. I’m excited if he stays.
You won’t get the same player as Buddy, You get a more affordable, younger option. I think Buddy is at his max value as a player, but Sacramento won’t be competitive by keeping Buddy anytime before his contract runs out. That said with his attitude last season I would prefer to move on to some team friendly contract players, with a chance to get the guy who fits the team and the timeline.
I’d rather shitcan our garbage coach and see if a competent one can rebuild his value. He played pretty well when Dave was around.
other than his 3point shot I won’t miss anything about buddy when he’s gone.
For the sake of all the young guys, yes please. Just give it to Gentry. He may not be the greatest ever, but players like him and will go to war for him. Luke is so unenthusiastic and uninspiring. If he told me to storm the battlefield, I’d tell him to suck it. Also, didn’t Vivek just save a bunch of jack on Bogi?
Gentry is not the answer.
Nor is a coaching search being done right now. Enjoy Luke and stunted player growth.
I think they are going to feature Buddy is a good way. No to Point Buddy, Yes to Corner Three Buddy, strictly to boost his value. If we only get a late first, we make the other team take Luke.
Sound Good?
Sounds fantastic. Also sounded fantastic when luke said it right before the bubble.
it would take an eternal sunshine of the spotless mind for me to have confidence that the organization will do the logical thing.
it seems simple enough. Let buddy run, set buddy screens, let buddy shoot, don’t let him dribble, don’t ask him to be the primary playmaker, and don’t expect he will guard anyone. Everyone comes to the same conclusion yet here we are.
thats the thing right there.
Truth.
Eh, not much to see here. But I wasn’t expecting much, either.
Nice words. Now show me.
When I was maybe a little older than Buddy is now I made a huge career transition due to 2008 being possibly the shittiest year on record (sorry younglings, 2020 doesn’t even come close) and I felt positively disgruntled about it. The work was initially uninteresting, the pay was mediocre, the company seemed intriguing but had a history of spinning its wheels. 12 years later nobody could pay me enough to leave that job (figuratively and mostly literally) – I am about the happiest corporate drone on earth.
It’s quite possible that Buddy got a bit pissed off about being sent to the bench and then took the offseason to reflect on where he is and what he has. He has a huge contract, an unselfish borderline-all-star point guard to feed him the ball, a new assistant coach that loves to run*, and a new GM that has apparently committed to this backcourt. Maybe he has realized it is this or getting traded to the Knicks.
*I am firmly of the belief that most of the pace issues last season started with Igor pushing half court concepts that made no sense with this team
I have to respectfully disagree. I was 28 in 2008. That year was rough indeed, but 2020 is shitting all over 2008. Not even close.
That year affected me financially like I never thought possible at the time. But no one died in my immediate circle because of it. Can’t say the same about this year…
2008 was awful, but 2020 has been far worse.
Like scenario where the Kings don’t trade Buddy. 20+ ppg scorer from the 2. Top five in the league in 3 pointers. Buddy is 27. In three years he’ll be 30. Will his game be any different? Nothing wrong with keeping him, especially for nothing or a draft pick that moves on after two years.
“I have no regrets. There’s nothing to be worked on. I never had a problem with nobody here at TKH. Everything that’s being heard wasn’t put out by me. I love everybody here at The Kings Herald, this website so I don’t regret nothing I wrote, he said.
“Just knowing Akis’s [Yerocostas] track record and the way he worked at Sactown Royalty and just watching their website evolve last year it reminds me of us when we had Tom, [Ziller], Hield said
That’s not my job. I don’t control that, Greg [Wissinger] controls that. ¦ You’ve got to earn your marriage so there’s nothing free in this world. said Hield
I guess I am the only one around here willing to defend Buddy. This impulse to engage in drama and not be able to get past it , I will just call it for what it is, it is a toxic feminine trait, to hold grudge, and begrudge a person and not let it go. Is that healthy or prudent ?
You have a disagreement or experience of adversity (1-5 in Bubble) and your only feasible course of action is to blow it up?
I reiterate what I said in last post. First three seasons, Buddy 43% 43% 43% on three point shots. Elite and record setting.
Last season, after Walton mindlessly said the quantitative target was 30 three point shots per game for the team. Buddy and our whole team started shooting 3s with less discernment.
Buddy fell to 39% from 3s because the coach stupidly emphasized quantity over quality.
And how many games did we see with Buddy and Fox and his emerging scoring prowess together? I want to see that , a backcourt who can easily drop 45-50 PPG.
It is in the context of an elite backcourt, Top 3 in the NBA that our other players can excel. If anyone wants to debate me on this, bring it on.
The question by Garry Gerould epitimozes my point. This old geezer should have reitred years ago!!! “Has any of this spoiled your love of the game?” What kind of question is that?
As a team we folded two years in a row trying to get the 8th seed and you expect it hold hands around a camp fire and sing kumbuya?!
Gerould was trying to throw gasoline on a fire, when in fact it is perfectly normal to vent in the midst of setback.
What it is NOT normal is to wallow in interpersonal challenges and act like they amount to irreconcilable differences.
I stopped reading at “toxic feminine trait”.
I just reinterpreted that as “a seemingly toxic trait of the opposite sex, whichever sex you are”, then hung in there until the disrespect for Gary Gerould started. Should have just stopped at “toxic feminine trait”.
Sexism and ageism while lecturing others on how to conduct themselves. Excellent work.
Actually you can be a great announcer and be old.
Remember Chick Hearn. I loved that guy. Gary Gerould for my taste was never an engaging play-by-play guy. He was pedestrian at best and he has clearly lost a few steps. His voice is wearing thin, he sounds sickly. How is that ageism???
I love old people they have wisdom and experience and perspective that comes with age but that doesn’t mean they should do play-by-play until the day they die.
As far as sexism, I did not say holding a grudge is a feminine trait. I said holding a grudge is toxic feminine trait. Note the difference. That not inditing all women.
And if you do not think that the pathological femine is more likely to hold a personal grudge than a male you are being disenguous or you need to learn more about women.
But none of this changes the heart of the issue. Buddy is a baller with an elite skill coming off a frustrating season and yet fans are wanting to acting like interpersonal issues (with a coach they themselves do not approve of) over the summer are irreconciliable.
That is the issue!!
An as aside, Deuce Mason got a lot of seasoning doing the G-League games, he should replace Gerould. He’s talented play-by-play.
Ideally I would like to watch games with TV sound on mute and then simulcast with Deuce.
Buddy is def a shooter. Him being a “Baller” is entirely up for debate, though, all things considered.
Your take on the G Man is trash and I don’t like it.
Lastly, I found your take on toxic feminine traits to be laughable; any sex can / gender can hold intolerable grudges, that’s a fact. Your spin (that it’s a feminine trait) is as fictitious as Luke’s belief that Buddy is an appropriate ball handler and initiator of the offense. The way you set your argument up just made you sound like an asshole and none of your rebuttals changed that perception.
P.S – there were like 5 defenses of Buddy before yours, so you didn’t even get that part right.
I think you have a lot more issues for you than Buddy’s respective place on this team. Keep your harangues about your perceptions about toxic femininity wherever else you pontificate, as taking pride because you didn’t indict all women in your little rant says enough.
When you’re in a hole, stop digging.
Typical view from a dumb ass millennial. See how this works?
I am not a millenial. And Gary is an old geezer. He is not a spring chicken is he?
Dumb ass millenial is a double negative Marty.
So did I. Hope your wife or girlfriend doesn’t follow the site. On reflection you probably don’t have either.
It is pretty clear Buddy has got the message from his agent to downplay and not engage any noise to his disgruntlement. Maybe even in part with McNair. Simple fact is if he wants to be traded the best thing he can do is stay quiet in relation to internal drama and ball. I to hope such wishes can come too fruition.
I have to say one thing that perplexes me is the level to which Hield’s noted work ethic contrast with a player with such obvious areas for improvement to maximize his unquestionable strengths. I don’t mean to discredit his work, by all accounts he is committed in that area. But as discussed for years an avoidance to critically evaluate his offense to maximize his strengths has always been puzzling.
The clearest of which is foul drawing and how that overlaps with his low 2 point attempts percentage. As an elite shooter, a lack of confidence close to the rim should be rationalized by getting to the stripe for free points. His 2pt% could be poor, if it led to 4 or 5 FT a night attempts, his offense in totality is considerably higher in output and efficiency. A calculation that is frankly obvious. One would hope that would be the focus in said morning workouts, but entering his 5th year his stats line seems entirely unaware that to demand the hopeful usage and leash for offense he desires, such changes would have to be made.
He is an incredibly confusing player, as the clear path to markedly improve is fairly obvious and I think attainable. And by all accounts the commitment to his game is unwavering. And yet we are always left with a player who is a starter through elevating role player skills exceptionally. Thats fine but he seems to perceive himself as much more than that, is paid as much. I would hope his work ethic is being critically examined and his game scrutinized by himself as the opportunity has been there.
Completely agree…
Agreed, Buddy is considered a gym rat. It’s not quite the same during the season as the offseason to work on things, but what is he working on in order to improve areas not considered his strengths? Is he just working on shooting only?
Buddy said all the right things. I don’t read much into it. I tend to take a man at his word until there is reason to doubt it. Buddy is coming into his prime and I think that if coaches play him at his strengths he’s a tremendous weapon.
Buddy’s already in his prime.
I’m not suggesting this is a compliment, but I do think that whatever Buddy says about things at any given moment, is likely a true reflection of how he feels. He doesn’t seem capable of landing on a particular position, and committing to stick to it. Trying to read anything into his interviews, tweets, etc., is probably a fool’s errand.
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