Buddy Hield’s Role Shrinks Again - This Time in Atlanta
Buddy Hield’s NBA journey has taken another turn, but the storyline is starting to feel familiar. After logging 122 straight appearances for the Golden State Warriors - including playoff games - Hield saw his role diminish in late December. Now, just days into his new chapter with the Atlanta Hawks, the sharpshooter is facing a similar reality: he’s on the outside looking in.
A Slow Start in Atlanta
Since being dealt to Atlanta in the trade that sent Kristaps Porzingis to Golden State, Hield has found himself buried on the bench. He didn’t see the floor in his first active game with the Hawks against the Charlotte Hornets, and when he did finally get some run in Monday’s blowout loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, it was brief and uneventful.
Hield logged under five minutes in the first half and didn’t return after that. He missed his lone three-point attempt and recorded a turnover - no points, no rebounds, no assists. Even with key rotation players like Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels sidelined, there just wasn’t much room for Hield in the lineup.
The Viral Moment That Spoke Volumes
While his on-court impact was minimal, Hield did make headlines off it - or at least on social media. A FaceTime call with former teammate Jimmy Butler made the rounds, with Hield jokingly commenting on Instagram, “Why you trade me 😢.” It was a light-hearted moment, but it also hinted at a deeper truth: Hield didn’t want to leave Golden State.
And really, who could blame him? He signed a four-year, $37.8 million deal with the Warriors in the 2024 offseason, expecting to be a key piece for a contender. Instead, he’s now in Atlanta, a team that’s reshaping its identity midseason and doesn’t appear to have a clear role for him.
Crowded Backcourt, Limited Opportunity
The Hawks have been busy stockpiling guards. After sending Trae Young to the Washington Wizards, they brought in CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert - two players who, like Hield, are known more for their scoring than their defense. Add in Gabe Vincent, who played 19 minutes off the bench against Minnesota, and the backcourt rotation is already stacked with players ahead of Hield in the pecking order.
That makes it tough to envision a consistent role for the veteran shooter. Hield’s contract for next season is only partially guaranteed at $3 million, and unless something changes, it’s hard to see Atlanta picking that up.
What the Numbers Say
Before the trade, Hield was averaging 8.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists over 44 games with Golden State. He shot 43.3% from the field and 34.4% from beyond the arc - decent numbers, but not enough to command minutes on a team with younger priorities and a crowded depth chart.
At 33, Hield still has value as a floor-spacer and veteran presence. But right now, in Atlanta, he’s a man without a clear role. And unless something shifts - injuries, trades, or a sudden hot streak - his minutes may continue to be more sporadic than steady.
For now, Hield’s best highlights in a Hawks uniform might be coming from his phone screen, not the hardwood.