Sacramento Kings: Predicting how Buddy Hield will perform in the three-point contest
By Allen Settle
Sacramento Kings shooting guard Buddy Hield will compete in the three-point contest this weekend. Here is how we predict he will perform.
The NBA All-Star weekend is officially upon us! While injuries to stars like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson have left NorCal basketball uncharacteristically devoid of competitors, there is one major name that fans will be rooting for — Sacramento Kings guard Buddy Hield.
No Kings or Warriors are represented in the main attraction of the All-Star Game. However, Hield’s presence in the 2020 MTN Dew Three-Point Contest will give Sacramento a horse in the race.
Hield will join the best shooters in the league in one of the weekends most fun events. Here’s how he stacks up against the competition.
The Field
The eight-man field features a unique combination of star players and bench sharpshooters. Devin Booker and Trae Young will both compete in the shootout while also participating in the All-Star game.
However, as history has shown, a player’s points per game production are not necessarily a good indicator of their abilities in the three-point contest.
That being said, here’s how each participant ranks in terms of career three-point shooting:
- Duncan Robinson: 42.7%
- Joe Harris: 42.3%
- Davis Bertans: 41.0%
- Buddy Hield: 41.0%
- Zach Lavine: 37.7%
- Devonte’ Graham: 35.6%
- Devin Booker: 35.5%
- Trae Young: 34.6%
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According to recent odds, Young is the favorite to win the event, followed by Harris and Bertans. Hield, holds the fifth best odds at +550.
It is also worth noting that both Harris (2019) and Devin Booker (2018) have won this contest before. Lavine is also playing with the benefit of a hometown Chicago crowd.
Buddy Hield
What hope does Sacramento hero Buddy Hield have against such a stacked field? There is certainly reason for optimism.
Hield made his debut in the competition last season. While he was unable to capture the crown, he did advance to the final round alongside Harris and Curry. He posted a blistering 26 points in the first round, and a solid 19 in the second.
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The Kings’ star is also in the midst of one of the most impressive shooting seasons of his young career. His percentage is down a hair from his career pace (he is shooting .385% in 2019-2020).
However, Hield (207 threes made) enters the weekend trailing only MVP candidates James Harden (234) and Damian Lillard (212) on the list of total three-pointers made.
The Prediction
I predict that Hield will follow up his impressive debut with another great All-Star weekend performance. The former Oklahoma star will post another great first round and join Harris and Robinson in the final round.
While Hield will post a round with 20+ points, I predict he will finish as the runner up to Miami Heat sniper Duncan Robinson. However, he will further cement his reputation as one of the elite three-point shooters in the NBA.
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Expect Hield to represent the Kings well as he brings pride to fans in Sacramento and beyond!