With tonight’s 80-68 win over Oregon, Oklahoma will advance to the Final Four for the first time since 2002. Buddy Hield had another excellent game, knocking down eight of 13 shots from behind the arc on his way to 37 points. Hield is one of the best shooters in the nation, making nearly 46% of his 3-pointers this season. NBA teams are taking more shots from behind the arc than ever before and the shooting guard seems to have the skill set to play immediately in the league.
Chad Ford of ESPN.com has Hield ranked as the eighth-best prospect, while Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress ranks Hield ninth-best. Both of these projections came before tonight’s game and the shooting guard may see his stock rise if he continues to dominate on the way to a National Title.
So that leads us to tonight’s topic: How far up the draft board can Hield climb with a sensational performance in the Final Four? With the league’s emphasis on the 3-ball, should the team that wins the lottery take Hield with the No. 1 pick?
Let us know which lottery team should consider taking Hield and if you don’t believe he’s worthy of that No. 1 spot, where does he rank for you? Take to the comments section to share your thoughts and opinions on the subject. We look forward to what you have to say.
The discussion about Heild starts at 3. Simmons and Ingram are locks for 1 and 2. Simply put, they are better prospects.
Agreed. The only way Hield should even be considered for the number one pick is if a contending team (whether via trade or a bubble playoff team winning the lottery) needs a guy who can step in right away and contribute. Simmons and Ingram definetly need a year or two before they should be expected to be a major contributor on a game-to-game basis.
Let’s say the Pelicans win the lottery, Should they take Hield given they could use some firepower alongside Anthony Davis?
I would say Hield or Ingram for them, as both could be good fits. I don’t think Simmons would be an ideal fit next to Davis.
Nope, Buddy Hield is a scorer and proved he’s clutch but, Ingram and Simmons are physically gifted, I mean, game changing-like gifts. Hield is a top 5
Simmons and Ingram go 1 and 2 for sure. If hield wasn’t a senior his stock would be higher. If he falls past 7m he will be a steal. If a team like the sixers or wolves land at three, they should take hield over another guard like Dunn or Murray.
Hield on the Wolves would be nice.
Hield is a great catch and shoot player but I don’t think he’s top ten worthy. After Simmons and Ingram there is a real drop off regarding talent. I think the top 7 will look like:
Simmons
Ingram
Bender
Dunn
Murray
Brown
Hield
He’s like Rip Hamilton who went off in the NCAAs and skyrocketed up to #7. Sounds like exactly where Hield should go. I would definitely take him over the back-to-the-basket guys Poeltel and Ellenson, certainly ahead of raw/project Labissiere.
I think with the right teams he should be considered. Although Simmons and Ingram are much better prospects, they both have their weaknesses (Simmons with shooting, Ingram with frame and defense). I definitely think the the Pelicans could take him if they win the lottery, although they might try to trade down. It’s hard not to draw Steph Curry comparisons especially when you consider that coming into the league (and now sort of) he was considered more of a 2 than a PG. I see him more being a Michael Redd kind of player though.
I feel bad to whatever prospect goes to the Lakers. The organization is such a mess right now they have nothing going for them. It’s hard to be a Lakers fan right now.
Hield would be a perfect pick for the Celtics with the New Jersey pick if it is not one or two. I still think that pick would be dealt but adding him to Thomas, Bradley, Crowder, Sullenger would be an attractive option.
I’m a Duke fan and I do not take Ingram #2. Ben Simmons is clearly one of the best around prospects I’ve ever seen so chose between all around Simmons and sharp shooting Heild. Held #8?? Have you guys seen him play? Are you watching? He’s a lot like Curry at Davidson and we all know who would go #1 if Currys draft was “ReDone” .
Is he better than Jodie Meeks? Jodie had 54 in a college game (35 sec shot clock). Great college player playing with a bright green light and a ton of confidence. Can he guard his position (SG) in the NBA ? The people that play his position currently – Wade, DeRozan, Klay, Butler, Beal, Harden, Wiggins, Oladipo, McCullom
I think he’s Jamal Crawford 2.0.
Perfect guy for the Celtics when they use the New Jersey pick.