Buddy Hield’s career in the NBA is one of perseverance, growth, and unmistakable achievement. As he celebrates his ninth year in the league, the 30-year-old guard’s journey has been a testament to his unrelenting dedication and the evolving nature of his game. What makes this milestone even more special, however, is the reunion of sorts he experienced in Oklahoma, as his old college teammate, Trae Young, joined him for a heartfelt celebration that harkened back to their days at the University of Oklahoma. The bond they shared as Sooners now shines through on the biggest basketball stage in the world, a reflection of their commitment to their craft and the path that led them both to NBA stardom.
Buddy Hield’s journey into the NBA wasn’t an easy one, but it was a journey marked by determination and a clear vision. Born in the Bahamas, Hield had to overcome significant obstacles to make it to the American college basketball scene. His dream of playing in the NBA was not just a personal ambition; it was a way to inspire his country and break barriers for future generations. Upon reaching the University of Oklahoma, Hield made an immediate impact. His scoring ability, particularly his three-point shooting, set him apart from many players and caught the attention of scouts across the nation.
Hield’s time at Oklahoma was nothing short of remarkable. Under the guidance of coach Lon Kruger, Buddy developed into one of the most dynamic scorers in college basketball. His offensive game, defined by a combination of sharpshooting and an ever-improving all-around skill set, made him one of the most highly coveted prospects entering the NBA draft. In 2016, after leading the Sooners to a Final Four appearance and being named the Big 12 Player of the Year, Hield declared for the NBA draft. That was the beginning of what would become a storied career.
On draft night in 2016, Buddy Hield’s dream became a reality when he was selected by the New Orleans Pelicans with the sixth overall pick. His transition to the NBA was filled with challenges, but Hield’s work ethic and drive quickly became evident. He was known for his shooting ability, and his performance on the court was always consistent, but there were growing pains. The NBA was a bigger stage, and competition was fierce, but Hield was not one to back down from a challenge. Over time, he continued to evolve his game, adding more elements to his offensive repertoire and improving his defense. By his second season, Hield had already established himself as a reliable scoring threat, particularly from beyond the arc.
However, it was his trade to the Sacramento Kings in 2017 that truly allowed Hield to flourish. With the Kings, Hield was given the freedom to play a more significant role on the team, and it was in Sacramento where he truly blossomed as a shooter. By his third season, Hield was averaging over 20 points per game and became one of the league’s premier long-range shooters. His shooting form, a high release point and quick release, made him a nightmare for defenders and one of the most dangerous players from three-point range. Hield’s three-point shooting became his signature, and he quickly became known as one of the top shooters in the league.
His growth as a player did not go unnoticed. In the 2019-2020 season, Hield was named to his first NBA All-Star game as part of the skills challenge, solidifying his place among the elite players in the league. Despite playing for a team that had not yet achieved success at the highest level, Hield remained focused on his development. The Kings may not have been a championship contender during his early years with the team, but Buddy Hield’s individual success was a clear indication of his skill, hard work, and relentless pursuit of improvement.
Through his first several years in the NBA, one thing remained constant in Buddy Hield’s career: his unwavering dedication to his craft. Whether it was his countless hours spent perfecting his jump shot or working on his conditioning, Hield always pushed himself to be better. As he continued to grow in the NBA, he also developed into a leader, someone who was willing to help mentor younger players while remaining focused on his goals.
However, as Hield entered his ninth season in the NBA, something special happened. He found himself back in Oklahoma, but this time, he wasn’t there as a student or as a young player looking to prove himself. He was there as an NBA veteran, celebrated for his accomplishments and recognized as one of the top shooters in the game. The event that brought him back to Oklahoma was a reunion of sorts, but not just with the team. It was a reunion with one of his closest friends and former teammates, Trae Young.
Young, who had been Buddy’s teammate at Oklahoma, had also achieved considerable success in the NBA. Trae Young’s trajectory had been slightly different from Hield’s, but their shared experience at Oklahoma forged a bond between the two that remained strong through the years. Young’s playing style, characterized by his deep three-pointers and flashy playmaking, was a stark contrast to Hield’s sharp, catch-and-shoot approach, but their relationship as teammates had always been one of mutual respect. Now, as both players were nearing the peak of their careers, they found themselves in a place where their respective accomplishments could be celebrated.
Young had already made a name for himself as one of the best point guards in the NBA, leading the Atlanta Hawks to deep playoff runs and earning multiple All-Star selections. Hield, on the other hand, had become one of the league’s premier shooters, a weapon in any offense that relied on spacing and shooting efficiency. While both players took different paths in their professional journeys, their shared history and the memories of their time at Oklahoma remained integral to their identities.
The reunion between Hield and Young was more than just a feel-good story. It was a reflection of how far both players had come in their careers and how their time at Oklahoma had shaped them into the players they were today. The camaraderie and connection they shared on the court as Sooners translated seamlessly to the NBA, where their bond continued to thrive. The Oklahoma Sooners’ legacy had become a central part of both of their careers, a reminder of where it all began and of the hard work and determination that had propelled them to the highest levels of professional basketball.
In this celebration, it was not just about reminiscing about the past, but about recognizing how far each player had come and the remarkable accomplishments they had achieved. For Hield, the ninth season in the NBA was a reflection of everything he had worked for. It was a testament to his perseverance and his growth as a player. The connection he shared with Young symbolized the idea that no matter where their paths had taken them, they would always be connected by the bond they forged at Oklahoma. Their celebration was a reminder that, while individual success is important, the relationships formed along the way are just as valuable.
As Buddy Hield reflects on his career, it is clear that he has reached a level of success that he once only dreamed about. His time in the NBA has been marked by hard work, dedication, and a commitment to becoming one of the league’s best shooters. But it has also been defined by the relationships he has built with teammates, coaches, and friends, none of which is more meaningful than the bond he shares with Trae Young. Together, they represent the strength of friendship, the power of hard work, and the beauty of basketball as a shared passion.
While Hield’s journey in the NBA is far from over, and there is still much more to accomplish, his ninth season marks a significant milestone. It is a time for reflection and celebration of the remarkable journey that has brought him to where he is today. And with the support of his former college teammate and close friend, Trae Young, it is a reminder that the road to success is never traveled alone. The story of Buddy Hield’s career is one of perseverance, but it is also a story of camaraderie, legacy, and a shared love of the game that continues to drive him forward.
