Buddy Hield has transformed the Golden State Warriors offense. Currently using a nearly 13-man rotation, Steve Kerr has revived the Warriors’ title-contending hopes alongside Steph Curry, Draymond Green and their counterparts.

One of those counterparts, Buddy Hield, has become a crucial part of Golden State, gaining attention and recognition early in the season for a potential Most Improved Player and Sixth Man of the Year awards. As Golden State’s sixth man, Hield could take home multiple awards by the end of the season.

In his ninth year, Hield’s career averages currently sit at 16 points, four rebounds and three assists on 44 percent shooting, 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 are up, averaging 17 points and four rebounds, good for 49 percent (46 percent from three). Both percentages would mark career bests for the marksman.

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

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

Contenders for early-season awards are already standing out from the pack. Dyson Daniels and Jalen Johnson, both of the Atlanta Hawks, have shown their stardom for a struggling franchise alongside Trae Young.

Meanwhile, the Cavs’ Evan Mobley and Ty Jerome deserve consideration for the award. Bigs Cade Cunnigham, Tyler Herro and Cam Thomas could also make a case for Most Improved Player 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 cooled off since then, but he could unleash a flurry of threes at any moment.

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

Given Thompson’s recent injury history and increasing shooting numbers over time, the Warriors felt compelled to move on from him. By doing this, they not only saved a lot of money, but also found an almost identical player for a much lower price. Will the new-look Warriors be Finals contenders, or will Hield’s shooting streak come to an abrupt end?