National Basketball Association

LA Clippers: Blake Griffin is offering advice to Buddy Hield

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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6th overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, Buddy Hield, shares a collegiate connection with Blake Griffin, and has been going to the LA Clippers star for some advice as he begins his pro career.

Buddy Hield is an easy NBA rookie to root for next season. With a brimming smile on the court, lights out shooting ability and the simple fact that his name is Buddy, there’s a lot to like about Hield’s potential to be an integral part of the New Orleans Pelicans going forward. Like any rookie, though, he isn’t without nerves as his NBA career begins. So, to find some advice from one of the best in the game, he’s been picking the brain of LA Clippers star Blake Griffin.

Earlier this week, Griffin returned to his alma mater, Oklahoma, to coach a team in the Oklahoma Alumni Legends game at Lloyd Noble Center. He made a huge donation while there, and also coached against Hield in the game.

Per GiveMeSport, Hield praised Griffin for his helpful advice:

“I’ve been asking him questions,” Hield said before Saturday’s game. “I’ve been picking his brain — what can I do to help me in the NBA? He’s given me great advice.”

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Griffin said that he believes Hield is set up for success in 2016-17:

“He’s on the right path. Buddy has done everything the right way. The type of career he had here and the year he had last year sets him up for success this year. He just has to keep doing the things he’s been doing and he’ll be fine.

“Everyone knows how good of a player he is, but how good of a person he is important as well. He’s already turning heads at the next level.”

Both former Sooners had tremendous college careers at Oklahoma. Griffin spent two years there and went to the NBA after averaging 22.7 points, 14.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game in his final season, while Hield completed all four years and became the 2016 Wooden Award Winner with an average 25 points per game.

As Buddy sets off into the NBA, it would be wise for him to stay in contact with Griffin for some guidance. As the 2010-11 Rookie of the Year, Blake knows a thing or to about starting strong.

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