How assistant coach DeMarco helped recruit Buddy Hield to Warriors originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Someone close to coach Steve Kerr made Buddy Hield’s decision to join the Warriors a lot easier.
After a hot start with 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 bringing him to the Warriors.
After all, DeMarco — who is also the head coach of the Bahamas men’s basketball team — recently coached Hield in the Bahamas’ qualifying tournament for the Summer Olympics in Paris, giving the duo plenty of time to talk about the move.
“Yes, I did,” Buddy said on whether or not he asked DeMarco about the Warriors. “And you know, he didn’t force it on me either. He’s like, ‘Man, I knew you wanted to talk.’ Well, let me come talk to you.”
In early July, the Warriors acquired Hield via sign-and-trade as part of a massive six-team deal that saw franchise legend Klay Thompson join the Dallas Mavericks.
While trade talks were underway, DeMarco was working behind the scenes on his recruiting magic.
“He helped me make the decision, which made the decision easier,” Hield added. “But we knew the system would fit my style of play. I just want to come here and be loved and everything starts the right way. But I’ve got to stay humble and humble and keep working and keep playing basketball for the Warriors.”
Although it’s still early in the 2024-25 NBA season, the Warriors have a lot to thank DeMarco for, as Hield hit 12 of his first 16 shots from beyond the arc, which set a franchise record. He also ranked 18th out of 26 in the field, an impressive 69.2 percent.
Hield is by no means replacing Thompson’s historic shooting efforts with Golden State, but the 31-year-old is a longtime three-point shooting specialist, and he’s proven that early.
But given Hield’s hot streak, it wouldn’t be the worst idea if general manager Mike Dunleavy consulted DeMarco on future signings.
Download and follow Dubs Talk Podcast
