Hawks’ Buddy Hield makes feelings on his role extremely clear

As the Atlanta Hawks lost by 51 points to the New York Knicks in Game 6 to eliminate them from the NBA Playoffs, there’s no denying how humbling it is for the team to lose on those terms. In the Hawks’ Game 6 beatdown thanks to the Knicks, fans saw the appearance of guard Buddy Hield, which has been a rare sight, as the veteran talks about his role on the team after the season closed.

Hield was in the trade package sent to Atlanta in the deal for Kristaps Porzingis going to the Golden State Warriors, but his role with the Hawks hasn’t been plentiful. The 33-year-old has played in nine games total for Atlanta, including Thursday’s loss, with seven of them coming in the regular season, where he averaged 7.3 minutes per game.

ClutchPoints’ Hawks reporter Malik Brown would ask Hield about how he sees his role for Atlanta, saying that though he wants to play, he’ll accept any role.

“You know what? It’s life. You just never know what will happen,” Hield said. “But whenever life throws at you, just get ready to respond. Of course, I want to play, but if I’m called to a different role, I got to accept that and do that at the highest I can do it and do it with joy and compassion and be one of those leaders.”

Buddy on what he envisions his role being next season:

“Of course I want to play but if I’m called to a different role I’ll accept that. If I’m called to be one of those leaders and when my number is called, I’ll do that…

“I’m not going to be one of those stubborn guys and… pic.twitter.com/TAPDRjjNzQ

— Malik Brown (@_MalikATL) May 1, 2026

Buddy Hield won’t be a “stubborn” player with the Hawks 

Hield has two years left of his contract with the second year being a player option, but he said that he won’t be a “stubborn” and disgruntled player if his role isn’t abundant.

“I’m not gonna be one of those stubborn guys. Of course. You all know I want to play. I’m competitive. That’s what we do. But whatever I’m called to do, as a mature individual, I’m seasoned. I understand what this game takes, but whatever they need me to do, I’m willing to do,” Hield said.

It remains to be seen how the Hawks use Hield when it comes to next season, as he enters his 12th year in the NBA.

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