Buddy Hield, to some, is hands down the best shooter in the 2016 NBA Draft. He possesses a solid skillset and the four-year player out of Oklahoma appears to have everything needed as a top five draft pick.
But Second pick overall? Now that might be a stretch.
The 2016 Naismith Player of the Year had a pre-draft workout with the Los Angeles Lakers today. After his workout, a strong confidence in his abilities took over the media session. Hield talked about filling some legendary shoes and he cites that given his ability to score the ball, it’s a no brainer that he should go second overall. Buddy is reportedly fresh off a stellar shooting performance with the Boston Celtics during a pre-draft workout with them and “Buddy Fresh” thinks the Lakers should be bold and take a chance on him with the second overall pick. Brandon Ingram, move aside.
Following from Mark Medina of Inside the Lakers and LA Daily News.
Buddy Hield shared how former Lakers star Kobe Bryant peppered him with advice on footwork during a private workout. Bryant outlined the importance of film study when Hield starred for four seasons at the University of Oklahoma. And Bryant encouraged Hield’s bravado that prompted him to say there is “no doubt” he represents the best shooter in the 2016 NBA Draft.
“This is what the franchise needs,” Hield said. “The Lakers are losing Kobe and they need a scorer. So why not call on me to fill in their spot?”
“Everybody has their opinions on where they can go, but most of those guys never have touched a basketball,” Hield said. “GM’s know what they’re looking for and which players suit their franchise the best.”
Buddy Hield expressed confidence that Lakers will select him at No. 2
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) June 18, 2016
Is Buddy Hield going second overall to the Lakers? Don’t count on it. Brandon Ingram out of Duke appears to be a lock in that spot but there is an interesting report swirling. Could the Lakers take a chance, trade their young guard D’Angelo Russell and move back into the top five with another chance to select Buddy Hield, as reported? You bet.
The Lakers could dangle Russell to Minnesota Timberwolves with the fifth overall pick and select the sharpshooter out of Oklahoma with that pick, if they wanted. While a deal for Jimmy Butler doesn’t look likely for the T-Wolves, a swap with the Lakers to get a young guard could be best for business. It also essentially allows them to move Ricky Rubio out of town a season before he wants to leave, anyway.
Either way you slice it, no matter if the Lakers or another team takes Hield in the 2016 NBA Draft there’s no doubting two things. He will be a top choice and his confidence is through the roof.
Buddy Hield on his final workout being with the Lakers: "Saved the best for last."
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) June 18, 2016
