Buddy Hield brings new hope to disappointed Bay Area fans. After Klay Thompson’s exit, the team didn’t make any notable additions to the roster in the 2024 offseason. And it in turn left the fans themselves put their Warriors dynasty dreams on ice. However, days into the season, Hield proved that the Dubs don’t need any superstar additions to ignite the dreams with his shooting prowess. Amid this situation, Coach Steve Kerr credits the ex-Lakers coach for the success and also opened up about the China Klay replacement!

The Warriors turned the NBA world’s attention to their side right from the preseason, winning all six outings. It didn’t change even after heading into the regular season, as the deep Dubs roster continued to steal blowout wins. Guess who leads the Warriors’ offense so far in the season? It’s not Stephen Curry. It’s none other than Buddy Hield with an average of 21.9 ppg, a touch higher than his Splash Buddy. 

Notably, it’s not Hield’s points but also the way he scores. Much like Klay Thompson, the 31-year-old rains down three-pointers either by coming off screens or catch-and-shoot. So far in 7 games, he has connected 33 buckets from the arc. Truly an impressive feat. Most importantly, Steve Kerr refrained from taking credit for the madness and instead directed it to former Lakers coach, Luke Walton.

In the latest KNBR Radio show, featuring Coach Kerr, the hosts couldn’t stop themselves from asking about the ‘Buddy’ factor on the team. Responding to them, the 9x NBA Champ said, “He is such an easy fit into our offense. Remember, he played for Luke Walton in Sacramento years ago when he was a young player and they ran a lot of the same stuff.” Hield played under Walton’s coaching between 2019-21, representing the Kings, averaging 20 ppg consistently. Notably, Walton won an NBA Championship in 2015, helping Kerr as an assistant coach.

Kerr opens up about Klay Thompson’s replacement ahead of the emotional reunion

We must have already concluded that Buddy Hield has replaced Klay Thompson’s void in the backcourt. But it always carries more weight when the people involved in the fold speak about it. Steve Kerr, who usually doesn’t mince words, didn’t mince his words when it came down to speaking about the Buddy Hield situation.

Speaking in the same show, Kerr hinted at how Hield has a similar playing style as Klay and how he ‘easily fit’ into the Warriors offense. He said, “Klay and Steph their ability to run off screens. I mean, that’s Buddy’s specialty. I mean, he loves to run and transition run to the corners and he’s generating so many good looks for us whether they’re for him or somebody else, just with his movement.”

Kerr further added, “He is a great fit in our style of play but he’s also bringing uh great energy and joy to the to the building every day it’s a really good fit for our team on and off the floor and… what a great guy.” Notably, this comment came in days ahead of the Warriors’ first match-up against Klay’s Mavs. More importantly, the 4x NBA Champ’s return to Chase Center after the exit. Pretty emotional moment for the Bay Area people! Get your tissues ready for the tribute video!!