'I'm just Buddy': Hield rejects Curry comparisons

Sorry, Vivek.

Sacramento Kings rookie guard Buddy Hield smartly distanced himself from comparisons to Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry. Obviously, any comparisons to a two-time MVP would be unwise and Hield would like to exist as himself, not within the context of an absurd comparison.

"I'm not Steph Curry," Hield told Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report. "I'm Buddy Fresh. I'm Buddy Love. I'm just me. I'm just Buddy."

The Kings, however, weren't deterred. Hield was their main return in dealing away franchise center DeMarcus Cousins and they believe he has "Steph Curry potential" waiting to be tapped.

Kings owner Vivek Ranadive is the biggest proponent of these lofty comparisons, believing Hield has the potential to develop into Curry, according to reports. This fixation dates back to last summer's draft, when the New Orleans Pelicans snagged Hield with the No. 6 pick ahead of the Kings' selection. When the Pelicans played the Kings, Ranadive would tell Hield, "we're still gonna get you."

The comparisons are there if you really squint. Hield was a prolific 3-point shooter and could create his own shot in college. Those skills haven't entirely translated over to the NBA, but he is still just a rookie.

But even Hield knows to distance himself from the best shooter of all time. Not every guard with handles and a jumper is Curry.

"People said (I was like) Steph Curry in college. Yeah, I guess, but I gotta develop. Steph Curry, he's a different animal. He's in his own world. He does whatever he wants. I can't do the things Steph Curry does right now," Hield said.

That being said, there is potential for Hield to improve. But consider this: Curry averaged 17.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.9 steals as a 21-year-old rookie. Hield is 23 and his stat line reads 8.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 0.4 steals.

Just let Buddy be Buddy. It's unfair to expect anyone to be Curry.