Buddy Hield has transformed the Golden State Warriors offense. Steve Kerr, who currently utilizes a rotation of nearly 13 players, has joined Steph Curry, Draymond Green and their colleagues in revitalizing the Warriors’ title-contending hopes.

One of those colleagues, Buddy Hield, has become a key piece for Golden State, garnering attention and recognition for potential Most Improved Player and Sixth Man of the Year awards earlier in the season. As Golden State’s sixth man, Hield could take home those multiple accolades by the end of the season.

Now in his ninth year, Hield’s career averages are 16 points, four rebounds and three assists while shooting 44 percent, 40 percent from three and 86 percent on free throws. Hield averaged 12 points, three assists and three rebounds last season, shooting 44 percent (39 percent from three) in 25 minutes. This season, Hield’s numbers have skyrocketed, averaging 17 points and four rebounds while shooting 49 percent (46 percent from three). Both percentages would mark career highs for the sharpshooter.

Hield is almost universally recognized as one of the best shooters in the league and has the numbers to back up his shooting dominance. Not only have the last five years been special for Hield, but his numbers have stood the test of time over a decade.

Without his shot this season, the Warriors will likely find themselves fighting for a play-in spot again. However, Golden State (11-3) has emerged as the top team in the league and is currently tied for first place in the Western Conference with Oklahoma City (12-4).

Early-season award contenders are already standing out from the crowd. Dyson Daniels and Jalen Johnson, both of the Atlanta Hawks, have shown early stardom alongside Trae Young for a struggling franchise.

Meanwhile, the Cavs’ Evan Mobley and Ty Jerome deserve consideration for the award. Notable players Cade Cunnigham, Tyler Herro and Cam Thomas could also make a case for the Most Improved Player title with their early starts to the season.

Hield’s early season was completely unexpected. Hield opened the season with 20 or more points in six of the first seven games of the season. He’s calmed down since then, but could unleash a flurry of threes at any moment.

His shooting has opened up the court for Stephen Curry, making the Warriors and their three-point shots (mainly Curry) even more difficult to defend. Some may even wonder if Buddy Hield is a better fit for Stephen Curry than Klay Thompson.

Given Thompson’s recent injury history and increasing shooting slumps over time, the Warriors felt obligated to move on from him. Not only did this save them a ton of money, but they also found an almost identical player at a much cheaper price. With their new look, will the Warriors be Finals contenders, or will Hield’s hot shooting come to a crashing end?