Fansided

NBA Season Preview 2018-19: 10 players who will take the leap this season

By Jacob Mooallem

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 07: Tobias Harris #34 of the Los Angeles Clippers controls the ball during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center on April 7, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 07: Tobias Harris #34 of the Los Angeles Clippers controls the ball during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center on April 7, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images) /
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SACRAMENTO, CA – APRIL 11: Buddy Hield #24 of the Sacramento Kings drive against Joe Johnson #7 of the Houston Rockets on April 11, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA – APRIL 11: Buddy Hield #24 of the Sacramento Kings drive against Joe Johnson #7 of the Houston Rockets on April 11, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Buddy Hield

Amid a disappointing season for Kings fans, Buddy Hield struggled as one of the only offensive weapons on a Sacramento team that won only 27 games. It was not all bad though, as Hield shot a career best 43 percent from 3 as the Kings’ second-leading scorer behind Zach Randolph.

Hield was sent to the Kings from New Orleans in a trade package centered around Demarcus Cousins. One selling point for the trade was owner Vivek Ranadivé reportedly beliving that Hield has “Steph Curry potential”.

Only 24 years old and a former early lottery pick, Hield has the potential to have a breakout season due to his shot making ability and scoring instincts. Playing alongside De’Aaron Fox could prove beneficial to Hield, as the rookie point guard showed good passing instincts and defensive prowess in his first year in Sacramento.

Hield struggled running the pick-and-roll last year, putting up only 0.731 points per possession, according to Synergy Sports. If he can improve on that clip while maintaining his solid shooting percentages, Hield could begin to live up to the expectations set by Ranadivé. 

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