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2016 NBA Draft: Pro comparisons for top prospects

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Jan 30, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) defends against a shot by Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) during the first half of a game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 30, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) defends against a shot by Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) during the first half of a game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Buddy Hield, SG, Oklahoma

Best Case: (Healthy) Bradley Beal
Worst Case: Brandon Rush

Buddy Hield quickly became one of the great stories of the college basketball season last year, coming from obscurity to the top scorer in the nation.

Hield averaged just 7.8 points per game and shot 23.8 percent from beyond the arc as a freshman. His senior year, he averaged 25.0 points per game and shot 45.7 percent from beyond the arc. That includes the epic 50-point game against Kansas that had Jayhawks fans giving him a standing ovation as he left the building.

It is rare to see a player at a major school rise like Hield did and be so successful with continued development over a four-year career. Whoever picks him likely will get a player who can contribute in some way immediately. Hield is a player who fits in with the team he is playing, capable of taking the ball off the dribble and draining shots.

The question when it comes to Hield is whether he can be a star player and work off the dribble against NBA defenders — the same things Bradley Beal had to prove during his first two seasons in the league. If Hield can’t take that step, he likely remains a good spot-up jumper shooter and someone who can’t contribute much else.

In today’s NBA, a shooter of Hield’s ability is incredibly important, even if they are limited in other ways. Rounding out his game is what will decide if he is a star or just an important role player.

To read more about Buddy Hield, click here.

Next: The dynamo

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