How assistant coach DeMarco helped recruit Buddy Hield to Warriors originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
One of coach Steve Kerr’s confidantes made Buddy Hield’s decision to join the Warriors much easier.
After a good start for Golden State, Hield spoke with NBC Sports Bay Area’s Kerith Burke before Sunday’s game about the role assistant coach Chris DeMarco played in recruiting him to the Warriors.
After all, DeMarco – who is also head coach of the Bahamian men’s basketball team – recently coached Hield in the Bahamas qualifiers for the Summer Olympics in Paris, giving the pair plenty of time to talk about the move.
“Yes, I did,” Buddy said about whether or not he asked DeMarco about the Warriors. “And you know, he didn’t really force it on me either. He says, ‘Man, I knew you wanted to talk. Okay, let me come talk to you. ”
In early July, the Warriors acquired Hield via sign-and-trade as part of their massive six-team deal, which saw franchise legend Klay Thompson join the Dallas Mavericks.
While trade talks were underway, DeMarco was working his recruiting magic behind the scenes.
“He helped me make the decision, which made the decision easier,” Hield added. “But we knew the system would suit my playing style. I just want to come here and be loved and everything starts in the right way. But I have to keep fighting, stay humble, keep working and keep playing Warriors basketball.”
Although the 2024-2025 NBA season is still young, the Warriors owe a lot to DeMarco. Hield hit twelve of his first sixteen shots from beyond the arc, setting a franchise record. He is also 18 of 26 from the field, an astonishing 69.2 percent.
Hield certainly didn’t replace Thompson’s historic marksmanship efforts with Golden State, but the 31-year-old is a longtime three-point specialist himself, and he’s proving that early.
But from the looks of it, it wouldn’t be the worst idea for general manager Mike Dunleavy to consult DeMarco about future signings.
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