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Warriors Eyeing Niang Amid Hield's Slump
9 Dec
Summary
- Buddy Hield struggles with shooting efficiency for the Warriors.
- Georges Niang, a former Warrior, nears return from injury.
- A trade involving Hield for Niang and a pick is being considered.
Buddy Hield's tenure with the Golden State Warriors has been underwhelming, marked by a significant dip in his three-point shooting accuracy. Averaging 8.0 points per game while shooting just 29.9% from beyond the arc this season, Hield's struggles have led coach Steve Kerr to decrease his minutes on the court. The team's net rating plummets to -8.5 when Hield is playing, underscoring his current impact.
Speculation is mounting about a potential trade before the February 5th deadline. One proposed scenario involves the Warriors acquiring Georges Niang, a forward they previously waived, in exchange for Hield. Niang, who is recovering from a fractured foot, is nearing his return and could offer a more reliable presence and a better positional fit for the Warriors' system.
Niang, who last played for the Cavaliers and Hawks, averaged 9.9 points and shot 40.6% from three-point range last season. His consistent spot-up shooting, a skill he has maintained for seven consecutive seasons, makes him an attractive option for a Warriors team heavily reliant on three-point offense, potentially marking a second chance for the Iowa State product in the Bay Area.
