The Indiana Pacers decided to trade Buddy Hield at the trade deadline. It took a long time after Hield made his displeasure with his reduced role known before the start of the season. He wanted to be traded because he didn’t want to sign an extension of what the Pacers were offering and wanted Indiana to get something for him.
Hield’s trade request was honored right at the deadline when the Pacers dealt him to the 76ers. Indiana essentially got Doug McDermott back in a three-team deal. While the return was not great For them so far, Hield seemed happy to take on a bigger role on a contending team.
Then Joel Embiid got injured. Once that happened, things changed in Philadelphia. He was placed in the starting lineup and expected to score three points for a team that needed shots. In fact, he played very well in the first few games as a starter. Now things have changed.
For several games, Hield has come off the bench. In each of the last four games, he has come off the bench as the 76ers try to turn things around. In those four games, he averaged 12 points and shot much better from the field and from deep, shooting 50% and 43%, respectively.
It’s odd that Hield is already back on the bench considering he wanted a starting role. After coming out of the gate shooting with Philly, his shooting percentage started to drop. Now they put him back on the bench where he was with the Pacers.
Honestly, I would still bring it back to Indy. His shooting is something the Pacers lack, although his absence has allowed Ben Sheppard to get more minutes and flourish. Still, you’d think a team that has struggled offensively over the last 10 games would want more shooting around Tyrese Maxey.
Following. Next story. 5 players who turned their backs on the Pacers. dark
As far as the Pacers are concerned, perhaps this validates their decision to get rid of him. For this to happen, McDermott must contribute something to this team. Hopefully he will return from injury soon and that will happen.
