The Tribune

By JONATHAN BURROWS

Tribune Sports Reporter

jburrows@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIAN NBA veteran Chavano “Buddy” Hield continued to settle into his role with the Chicago Bulls over the weekend, scoring nine points against the Washington Wizards on Saturday after producing his best performance of the young season in Friday’s victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.

Hield contributed nine points, two rebounds and two assists in 16 minutes off the bench as the Bulls fell 124-120 to the Wizards in their home opener at the United Centre.

He shot 4 of 7 from the field and made one of his three attempts from beyond the three-point line. He also recorded one turnover and finished with a minus three rating.

The loss left Chicago with a 1-2 win loss record through its first three games of the 2026-2027 NBA regular season, following a 135-92 defeat against the Toronto Raptors in the opener and a 132-125 road victory over Milwaukee on Friday.

Hield’s latest contribution came as Chicago struggled to contain Washington’s offence after establishing an early lead. The Bulls led by as many as 10 points before the Wizards outscored them 40-20 in the third quarter, taking control of the game despite a 30-point, 14-rebound performance from Chicago rookie Caleb Wilson.

Hield was one of the Bulls’ more efficient contributors from the perimeter, making one of his three attempts from three-point range.

Chicago, however, converted only 12 of its 43 attempts from beyond the arc, continuing an early season concern for head coach Tiago Splitter’s team.

Hield, 33, had a more productive outing on Friday night in Milwaukee, scoring 13 points in 15 minutes to help Chicago secure its first victory of the season. Hield converted five of his six field-goal attempts, including three of four from three-point range, while adding two rebounds, two assists and a steal.

His shooting helped provide a spark from the bench as the Bulls recovered from a slow start to overcome the Bucks. Chicago scored 44 points in the second quarter after managing just 17 in the first, with Hield among the reserves who helped shift the momentum.

The performance also demonstrated the value Chicago expects from the veteran guard as it looks to improve its spacing and scoring options around a developing young core.

Hield’s first regular season appearance with the Bulls came against Toronto on October 21, when he was held scoreless in 14 minutes. He missed all four of his field goal attempts, including three from beyond the arc, but recorded two rebounds and two assists.

Through the three regular season games, Hield has averaged 7.3 points, 2.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists. 

Chicago acquired Hield from the Charlotte Hornets in September in a deal that sent guard Rob Dillingham to Charlotte. The move brought the Bulls a proven perimeter shooter and an experienced player who has spent time with several NBA contenders.

The 33-year-old entered the season with a career three-point shooting percentage of 39.5 per cent, making him a valuable option for a Chicago team seeking to create more room for its players to attack the basket.

Splitter outlined that expectation during Hield’s introduction to the organisation, identifying his shooting as an important part of the team’s offensive structure.

“I like good threes,” Splitter said, according to the Chicago Sun Times. “You’re open, shoot it.”

The Bulls coach explained that having Hield and fellow veteran Norman Powell available on the perimeter should create opportunities for younger players, including Wilson and Matas Buzelis, to attack the paint.

Hield is also expected to contribute through his experience and leadership as Chicago develops its younger players. Having played alongside established veterans during his time with the Golden State Warriors and Philadelphia 76ers, he has gained experience in different systems and roles.

Hield said mentoring the younger players was an important responsibility for him in Chicago. “I take a lot of pride in that because I’ve learned from a lot of vets,” Hield said. “Me mentoring the younger guys, that’s my job. Help Caleb, Matas and Josh get to where they need to get, support them in the fullest so we can get to the next level.”

Splitter has also acknowledged Hield’s experience with successful teams and his ability to provide scoring when called upon.

“He’s been around this league; he knows what it takes,” Splitter said. “He’s been around championship teams. He’s a guy that can get a bucket; he can score. We need the shooting piece, and we’ll go from there.”

The Bulls have made a difficult start to the season, and their struggles from three-point range have placed additional emphasis on their outside shooting options. Hield’s three for four performance against Milwaukee offered an example of the impact he can make when he finds his rhythm, although Chicago will need more consistent production from the perimeter across the roster.

Chicago is scheduled to visit the Boston Celtics today, before travelling to face the New York Knicks on Wednesday.

Hield will have another opportunity to establish himself in the rotation as the Bulls continue to determine their most effective combinations early in the season.