Buddy Hield selected to play for World Team in 2017 BBVA Rising Stars Challenge

Earlier today, the NBA revealed the participants in the 2017 BBVA Rising Stars Challenge and Buddy Hield made the list! He is the first Pelicans player to be selected for this game since Anthony Davis made an appearance in 2014, coincidentally also when it was last held in the city of New Orleans.

Originally hailing from The Bahamas, Hield has been selected to play for the World Team.

At first glance, the teams looked to be rather evenly matched. Breakout sensations Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid will face Karl-Anthony Towns and Myles Turner. Kristaps Porzingis will help offset the scoring prowess of Devin Booker.

With such a stellar cast on both sides of the ball, don’t expect Hield to walk away with one of the more notable performances. Through the first 45 games of his rookie campaign, Hield has become accustomed to taking a backseat on offense as evidenced by an 8.8 points per game average.

However, it is conceivable to imagine a scenario where Buddy Buckets starts hot from three-point range and goes on to make a name for himself. After all, the game is merely an exhibition, will take place in Hield’s backyard and the little to no defense in a crazed pace environment, more than several prominent stat lines should be posted.

Can Buddy Hield top Anthony Davis’ 16 points scored in 29 minutes of action three years ago?

Perhaps!