76ers New Addition Eager to Play Alongside Joel Embiid

At the trade deadline, the Philadelphia 76ers upgraded their perimeter play by adding Buddy Hield. Fresh off his debut with the team Friday, the veteran sharpshooter talked about playing alongside the team's star.

Since entering the NBA, Hield has been one of the top high-volume three-point shooters in the league. Since 2018, his average attempts per game from deep has sat around eight.

For a team centered around a big man who likes to operate in the mid-range, outside shooting is essential. Over the past few years, the Sixers have tried to flank Joel Embiid with as many outside shooters as possible. Before suffering a knee injury, the reigning MVP thrived with the Sixers' new-look lineup.

Given that he's never scared to let it fly from deep, Hield is an ideal complementary piece. Following his first taste of action with his new team, he was asked about how he feels to get to play alongside such a dominant force.

Hield admitted the thought hadn't crossed his mind yet as he had an extremely hectic week. That said, he hopes Embiid is able to return soon and is eager to share the floor with him.

"I haven't thought about it. I’ve played against him, and I’ve seen what we’ve done to him and just trapping him into the double-teams and these guys getting some good shots," Hield said. But time will tell when that happens and I’m sure I’ll be really excited for him to get back as soon as he can and healthy. I’d love to be able to play with him and embrace that moment."

Despite having minimal time to prepare, Hield put together a solid two-game stretch with the Sixers so far.