NBA Draft: 5 destinations for Buddy Hield

Mar 20, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) reacts in the second half against the Virginia Commonwealth Rams during the second round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

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Feb 21, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Gary Harris (14) dribbles the ball against Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) in the third quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Celtics defeated the Nuggets 121-101. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets will likely be looking to the draft to find a long-term back court partner for budding star Emmanuel Mudiay. Gary Harris has been OK for the Nuggets, but at this point in his career it’s pretty clear he isn’t going to develop into a star. The Nuggets will strongly consider selecting Hield to give their offense some added punch.

The idea of a Mudiay-Hield back court is appealing for a lot of reasons. Hield would help take some ball-handling/creative pressure off of the young point guard, which would significantly aid his development. On the other end, Mudiay’s physicality would help to take some defensive pressure off Hield. The pair fit together very nicely.

Hield would stretch the floor, giving Mudiay a lot more space to work with. If the Nuggets can add Hield in the draft, don’t be surprised to see Mudiay’s turnover rate plummet.

The Nuggets front office has quietly built a really promising young core in Denver. Adding Hield would allow them to take another significant step forward on the floor next year.

Next: 1. Minnesota Timberwolves

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