Sixers get Buddy Hield: A smart move for the future?

The Philadelphia 76ers have made a big splash at the trade deadline by acquiring Buddy Hield, one of the best 3-point shooters in the NBA, from the Indiana Pacers. The Sixers sent Marcus Morris, Furkan Korkmaz and three second-round picks to the Pacers in exchange for Hield, who is averaging 12 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game this season. But what does this trade mean for the Sixers, who are currently struggling without their star center Joel Embiid, who is out for at least four weeks with a left knee injury? And how will Hield fit in with the Sixers’ system and culture? In this article, we will explore these questions and more.

Why did the Sixers trade for Hield?

The Sixers have been in a slump since losing Embiid, who was having an MVP-caliber season before his injury. They have lost seven of their last eight games and have fallen to the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference. They needed to get some immediate help and improve their roster for the playoff run and beyond.

One of the areas that the Sixers needed to address was their 3-point shooting, which has been inconsistent and unreliable. The Sixers rank 20th in the league in 3-point percentage (35.4%) and 24th in 3-point attempts (31.4) per game. They lack a consistent 3-point threat who can space the floor and create opportunities for their other players, especially Embiid, who is often double-teamed in the post.

That’s where Hield comes in. Hield is a career 40% shooter from long range and ranks 15th in the NBA in 3-pointers made (137) this season. He has made a franchise-record 288 3-pointers last season and ranked second in the NBA in 3-pointers made and ninth in 3-point percentage. He is a proven scorer and shooter who can stretch the defense and open up lanes for the Sixers’ drivers and cutters.

Hield also brings some youth and athleticism to the Sixers, who have a relatively old and slow roster. Hield is 28 years old and in his prime, while Morris is 32 and Korkmaz is 25. Hield is also a decent rebounder and passer for his position and can run the floor and finish in transition. He is not a great defender, but he is not a liability either. He has quick hands and feet and can stay in front of his man and contest shots.

How will Hield fit in with the Sixers?

The Sixers have a well-established system and culture under coach Doc Rivers, who has instilled a winning mentality and a defensive identity in the team. The Sixers have the best defensive rating in the league (106.4) and the second-best net rating (6.4). They have a balanced offense that features Embiid as the focal point, Ben Simmons as the facilitator and Tobias Harris as the secondary scorer. They also have a deep and versatile bench that can play different styles and match up with different opponents.

Hield will have to adjust to playing in a new system and with new teammates, but he should not have a hard time finding his role and niche. He will likely come off the bench as the sixth man and provide instant offense and shooting for the second unit. He will also play alongside Simmons and Embiid in some lineups and benefit from their playmaking and gravity. He will have plenty of open looks and catch-and-shoot opportunities, as well as some chances to create his own shot off the dribble or screens.

Hield will also have to buy into the Sixers’ defensive scheme and effort, which is a non-negotiable for Rivers. He will have to communicate and rotate well with his teammates and show some grit and toughness on that end of the floor. He will also have to accept his role and minutes, which may vary depending on the game situation and the opponent. He will have to sacrifice some of his shots and touches for the sake of the team and trust his teammates and coach.

Hield has shown some signs of frustration and discontent with his role and minutes in the past, especially with the Kings, where he was demoted to the bench and clashed with coach Luke Walton. He was also traded twice in his career, first from the Pelicans to the Kings in the DeMarcus Cousins deal, and then from the Kings to the Pacers in the Tyrese Haliburton-Domantas Sabonis deal. He may feel unwanted or undervalued by his previous teams and seek to prove himself with the Sixers.

However, Hield also has some positive traits and qualities that can help him fit in with the Sixers. He is a hard worker and a competitor who loves the game and wants to win. He is a friendly and outgoing person who can get along with his teammates and coaches. He is a humble and grateful player who appreciates his opportunity and journey in the NBA. He is also a loyal and respectful player who honors his contract and does not cause any drama or distraction.

What are the implications and recommendations for the future?

The trade for Hield is a smart move for the Sixers, who have improved their roster and addressed one of their biggest needs. Hield is a valuable addition who can help the Sixers in the short term and the long term. He can help the Sixers stay competitive and relevant in the East while Embiid is out, and he can also help the Sixers contend for a championship when Embiid returns. He can also be a part of the Sixers’ core for the next few years, as he is under contract until 2024.

The Sixers should not stop here, though. They should continue to look for ways to improve their team and maximize their window of opportunity. They should explore the buyout market and see if they can add another veteran or two who can fill some gaps and add some depth and experience. They should also monitor the health and progress of Embiid and make sure he is fully recovered and ready for the playoffs. They should also keep developing their young players and integrating their new players and make sure they are on the same page and have good chemistry.

The Sixers have a bright future ahead of them, but they also have a lot of work to do. They have a talented and hungry team that can compete with anyone in the league, but they also have some challenges and obstacles to overcome. They have a great coach and a great leader who can guide them and inspire them, but they also have to trust each other and play together. They have a chance to make history and bring glory to their city, but they also have to stay focused and humble.

The Sixers have made a bold and smart move by getting Buddy Hield. Now they have to make it count.

Frequently asked questions and answers

• Q: Who is Buddy Hield?

• A: Buddy Hield is a professional basketball player who plays for the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA. He is a 6-foot-4, 220-pound shooting guard who wears number 24. He was born in Freeport, Bahamas, on December 17, 1992. He played college basketball at Oklahoma, where he was a consensus All-American and the Big 12 Player of the Year. He was drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans with the sixth overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft. He was traded to the Sacramento Kings in 2017 and then to the Indiana Pacers in 2022. He was traded to the Sixers on February 8, 2024.

• Q: Why is Buddy Hield a good fit for the Sixers?

• A: Buddy Hield is a good fit for the Sixers because he is one of the best 3-point shooters in the NBA and can provide spacing and scoring for the Sixers’ offense. He can also play well with the Sixers’ stars, Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid, who can create opportunities for him with their playmaking and gravity. He can also bring some youth and athleticism to the Sixers, who have a relatively old and slow roster. He can also contribute to the Sixers’ defense and culture, which are based on effort and teamwork.

• Q: What did the Sixers give up to get Buddy Hield?

• A: The Sixers gave up Marcus Morris, Furkan Korkmaz and three second-round picks to get Buddy Hield. Morris is a veteran forward who can play multiple positions and provide some defense and shooting. Korkmaz is a young wing who can also shoot the 3 and has some potential. The three second-round picks are from the Raptors, Clippers and Blazers, and are likely to be in the late 50s or early 60s. The Sixers also gave up some salary cap flexibility and luxury tax implications by taking on Hield’s contract, which pays him $22.4 million this season and $20.5 million next season.

• https://www.mcall.com/2024/02/08/sixers-will-hope-buddy-hield-is-more-than-a-longshot-addition/
  

• https://www.nba.com/news/pacers-trade-buddy-hield-sixers