Buddy Hield looked like a brand new player on Sunday night, yet that same player was considered unplayable just last season. This sharp contrast is the only real story for Chicago Bulls fans right now. The veteran wing hit his perimeter shots and refused to overcomplicate things with the ball in his hands during the game against the Denver Nuggets. That simple approach sparked hope, but the front office knows the stakes are much higher.
Reviving his value requires Hield to shoot, and he must do so consistently, according to Pippen Ain’t Easy. This is the only path forward for a player whose stock took a hard hit. In Sunday’s preseason loss to the Nuggets, he recorded 15 points, three rebounds, two steals, and an assist in just 19 minutes off the bench. Those numbers look great on paper, but they tell only half the story.
At the end of September, the Bulls secured him from the Hornets to provide the second unit with experience and a tradeable contract. That move makes sense if he can stay hot. However, the data shows a major flaw that could sink his chances. The defensive end of the floor offers nothing from him. This gap is a massive problem for a team trying to build a real defense.
H2 The Cost of One-Tool Basketball
Bulls fans have seen this movie before. A player comes in hot, hits a few threes, and then fades away when the games get real. A disappointing 2025-26 campaign divided between Atlanta and Golden State precedes Hield now. That bad stretch makes his recent success even harder to trust.
Long-range shooting, which is hoped to spread the floor, should benefit young building blocks like Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson. This spacing is vital for a young core that needs room to grow. But if Hield cannot defend, his offensive value might not be enough to keep him on the roster. The trade from the Hornets was a gamble, and the results are still in.
H2 A Look Back at the Stats
History suggests Hield should be safe. Before last season, he had never averaged fewer than 2.2 treys or shot below 36.6 percent from three-point range in any of the prior eight seasons. Those numbers prove he is a reliable shooter when he is healthy and confident. Yet, the recent dip in performance raises serious questions about his future in Chicago.
Per reports, the Bulls need him to be more than just a shooter. They need him to be a player who can impact the game in multiple ways. If he cannot fix his defense, his role will shrink fast. The preseason is over, and the real work starts now.
Buddy Hield must replicate his efficient, shot-focused performance from the preseason loss to the Nuggets to justify his trade acquisition. The clock is ticking on his ability to prove he fits this rebuild. Bulls fans should watch closely to see if he can sustain this level of play.
