Report: Kerr, Warriors assistant DeMarco led Hield recruitment originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
The Warriors successfully signed Buddy Hield despite interest from the Los Angeles Lakers. But who exactly was the driving force behind Golden State’s triumphant pursuit of the sharpshooter?
Warriors coach Steve Kerr and assistant Chris DeMarco have convinced Hield to join the Warriors, the Athletic’s Anthony Slater reported Wednesday.
DeMarco, who coaches the Bahamian national team where Hield plays, tried to convince the veteran, who has been with Golden State for eight years, to join Golden State while the two were in Spain for Olympic qualifying.
While DeMarco worked hard to convince Hield to join the Warriors, Slater’s report shows that a late Wednesday night phone call with Kerr, during which he had some time to think about it, ultimately tipped the scales in Thursday’s decision.
After signings with veteran forward Kyle Anderson and two-way guard De’Anthony Melton, Hield’s arrival reportedly reflects a strong recovery from the hit franchise mainstay Klay Thompson took after his departure.
DeMarco has been with the Warriors organization since 2012, rising from video coordinator to assistant coach, a role he currently holds.
While his behind-the-scenes contributions helped build a dynasty, DeMarco’s efforts to land Hield won’t go unnoticed, especially if the sharpshooter plays a role in helping Golden State return to prominence in the NBA.
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