Buddy Hield’s Defensive Struggles Spark Warriors’ Dilemma
The Buddy Hield experiment in Golden State is rapidly spiraling into a crisis. The veteran guard, once renowned for his sharpshooting, is now posting career lows across the board, averaging just 16.7 minutes, 6.6 points, and a dismal 31.6% from beyond the arc. Yet, a deeper dive into the statistics reveals a troubling narrative that transcends a mere shooting slump, hinting at a potential benching or a drastic reduction in playing time.
Alarming On/Off Metrics
The on/off numbers tell a stark story. When Hield is on the court, the Warriors surrender 124.8 points per possession, placing them in the 8th percentile defensively. In contrast, when he’s off the floor, that figure plummets to 107.4 points per possession, positioning the team in the 92nd percentile. This staggering 17.4-point difference in defensive net rating ranks as the third-worst in the league, according to Cleaning the Glass. Historically, Hield has faced challenges on the defensive end, but this season marks a new low. Last year, while the Warriors allowed 1.7 more points per possession with him on the floor, his offensive contributions offset this. Now, however, the offensive output is slightly diminished alongside his defensive liabilities.
Identifying the Broader Issues
Before solutions can be sought, the root of the problem requires examination. While stars like Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green have remained consistent, it’s the broader roster struggling to find its rhythm. Young players Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski are stepping up, providing valuable contributions, while Quinten Post has settled into a crucial role as a stretch-5. Yet, the on/off numbers for several players reveal an alarming trend:
Gary Payton II: -8.6
Jonathan Kuminga: -9.8
Gui Santos: -12.2
Will Richard: -12.7
Al Horford: -15.6
Trayce Jackson-Davis: -17.1
Buddy Hield: -18.4
Pat Spencer: -21.1
While Will Richard’s performance might not fully reflect his capabilities, the overarching narrative indicates that several players must elevate their game for the Warriors to regain their footing. Kuminga’s scoring and athleticism, alongside Horford’s veteran presence, are crucial. The exact roles for the remaining players, however, remain uncertain.
Potential Adjustments in the Rotation
Should Hield find himself benched, the question becomes how head coach Steve Kerr will redistribute those 16.7 minutes. One possibility is to increase Will Richard’s playing time, who has averaged 19.4 minutes on the current road trip. Additionally, Kerr might consider giving Gui Santos a more stable role, tapping into Santos’s shooting prowess and defensive engagement, even if it complicates lineup dynamics.
As for Seth Curry’s return, his presence could also absorb some of Hield’s minutes, allowing for a more balanced rotation. In the meantime, any leftover minutes could be divided between Moody and Podziemski, both of whom have shown they can contribute.
The Case for Patience with Hield
Despite his struggles, there’s an argument to be made for sticking with Hield. The Warriors’ offensive efficiency, currently ranked 22nd, presents a greater concern than their defensive rating (12th). Hield’s potential to ignite the offense remains, underscored by his career 39.6% three-point shooting and his status as one of the league’s top three-point scorers since the 2020-21 season. His ability to stretch the floor and create driving lanes is invaluable, and the hope is that he can rediscover his shooting touch while regaining defensive sharpness.
Kerr’s Options Are Limited
Kerr’s recent comments on De’Anthony Melton’s recovery from an ACL injury indicate that help is not imminent. Melton’s return would provide a two-way option, making it easier for Kerr to limit Hield’s minutes. In the current landscape, however, the Warriors lack a clear resolution for Hield’s ongoing struggles, leading to growing frustration. An incident during a recent game highlighted this tension; Hield failed to secure a pass from Butler while cutting to the basket, resulting in a turnover and visible outrage from Butler.
With the Western Conference standings as tight as ever, the Warriors face an urgent need to secure a winning record during their upcoming five-game homestand. If Hield continues to falter, it may soon be time for the Warriors to make a change.
