Basketball is back!
It's still going to be a minute before the 2026-27 NBA season gets started, but hoops are live, just overseas. Among those competing in the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers is Buddy Hield - suiting up for The Bahamas.
Still a year to go before tournament action takes place, each qualifier game carries significant weight, and Hield is clearly up for the challenge. With some uncertainty regarding his place on Atlanta's roster for the upcoming campaign, as well, there's more at stake for the veteran.
If his game can translate to the Hawks like it currently is for his home country, his case for a roster spot will be undeniable. He's balling out.
Hield lit up the box score in qualifier game against Uruguay
In just over 32 minutes in The Bahamas' victory over Uruguay, Hield recorded 28 points, seven rebounds and four assists, shooting 8/16 from the field and 6/11 from beyond the arc.
In his last time out with a heavy minute load, he put up 15 points, six rebounds and five assists on 6/11 from the field, knocking down two threes along the way.
What stands out most from his recent performances doesn't come as much of a surprise. Hield is lighting his opponents up from beyond the arc. If all else fails, he can shoot the lights out, even entering his 11th NBA season.
His ability to let it fly with confidence and knock down shots at an efficient rate is more than enough to keep him on a roster. Often times, teams lack reliable shooting down the stretch, and Hield can provide exactly that.
There are legitimate questions as to if the Hawks have enough shooting to be a real threat in the talented Eastern Conference. That problem, however, is being mostly overstated.
Other parts of Hield's game are on display in recent FIBA performances
Everyone knows about Hield's shooting, but everything else he's contributing for his home country is invaluable. Maybe he can provide a similar spark for the Hawks this upcoming season.
His playmaking has been notable. He's been given much more nightly responsibility as a playmaker, and for the most part, it's been effective.
In his first overseas game of 2026 - in a dominant win over Jamaica - Hield finished the night with a +34 +/-.
It's unrealistic to imagine he'll carry any sort of similar role in Atlanta next season, but injuries happen often, and if he can share similar confidence on the floor to what he's displaying currently, Atlanta will be in good hands.
A veteran sniper is never a bad presence to have.
Add us as a preferred source on Google