How assistant coach DeMarco helped recruit Buddy Hield to the Warriors

How assistant coach DeMarco helped recruit Buddy Hield to the Warriors originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

One of coach Steve Kerr's confidants made Buddy Hield's decision to join the Warriors much 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 his recruitment to the Warriors.

After all, DeMarco — also head coach of the Bahamas men's basketball team — recently coached Hield at the Bahamas' qualifying tournaments for the Summer Olympics in Paris, giving the two plenty of time to talk about the move.

“Yeah, I did,” Buddy said of whether or not he asked DeMarco about the Warriors. “And you know, he didn’t really force it on me either. He's like, 'Man, I knew you wanted to talk. 'Okay, let me talk to you.'”

In early July, the Warriors acquired Hield via sign-and-trade as part of their massive six-team deal that saw franchise legend Klay Thompson join the Dallas Mavericks.

While trade talks were underway, DeMarco was working his recruiting magic behind the scenes.

“He helped me make the decision and made it easier for me,” Hield added. “But we knew the system would suit my style of play. I just want to come here and be loved and everything starts right. But I have to keep staying diligent, keep staying humble, keep working and keep playing Warriors basketball.”

Even though the 2024-25 NBA season is still young, the Warriors have a lot to thank DeMarco for: Hield made 12 of his first 16 shots from long range, setting a franchise record. He's also 18 of 26 from the field, an astounding 69.2 percent.

Hield has by no means replaced Thompson's historic sharpshooting prowess with Golden State, but the 31-year-old is a long-time 3-point specialist in his own right and is proving it early.

But from the looks of Hield's hot streak, it wouldn't be the worst idea if general manager Mike Dunleavy consulted DeMarco on future signings.

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