Hoops Rumors Community Shootaround 4/5/16

Oklahoma shooting guard Buddy Hield‘s draft stock has risen markedly over the course of the 2015/16 campaign. The 22-year-old began the season as a projected second-round pick, but his stellar play now has Hield in line to be an early lottery pick this June. NBA scouts and front office personnel will have to make the call as to whether Hield’s senior season breakout was a fluke or if the scorer has the potential to be the next Stephen Curry, who is arguably the best player in the NBA right now. Curry was severely underestimated coming out of college and lasted until the No. 7 overall pick in 2009. He was selected after Ricky Rubio, Tyreke Evans and Jonny Flynn, which certainly proves that the scouts don’t always get it right when evaluating and projecting how well players will transition into professional ball.

Hield appeared in 33 games for the Sooners this season and notched career-best numbers in virtually every statistical category. The shooting guard averaged 25.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists to accompany a shooting line of .498/.462/.890 for the 2015/16 campaign. While Hield certainly has scouts buzzing about his potential, it remains to be seen if he was a one-year wonder or if he’s set to become the next big thing in the NBA.

That brings me to the topic for today: How successful will Buddy Hield be in the NBA?

There have been numerous players throughout the years who filled up stat sheets and lit up scoreboards in college but were unable to succeed in the NBA. Will Hield be the next Jimmer Fredette, or is he in line to follow in Curry’s footsteps and prove all of his doubters wrong once he hits the NBA hardwood? Take to the comments section to share your thoughts and predictions for Hield’s professional career. We look forward to what you have to say.