(L-R) 'Buddy' Hield and 'VJ' Edgecombe
By JONATHAN BURROWS
Tribune Sports Reporter
jburrows@tribunemedia.net
BAHAMIAN NBA players Chavano “Buddy” Hield and Valdez “VJ” Edgecombe continued their preparations for the upcoming regular season, with Hield showcasing his perimeter shooting for the Chicago Bulls and Edgecombe producing another strong scoring performance for the Philadelphia 76ers.
Hield connected on four three-pointers and finished with 15 points in Chicago’s 133-128 preseason loss to the Denver Nuggets on Sunday night at Ball Arena.
The veteran guard shot 4 of 7 from the field, including 4 of 6 from beyond the arc, and made all three of his free throws in 19 minutes of play. He also had three rebounds, one assist and two steals. Hield helped the Bulls build a 68-59 halftime lead, but Denver responded with 40 points in the third quarter to take control and secure the victory. Leonard Miller led Chicago with 26 points, while Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double of 22 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists for Denver.
Hield’s shooting is expected to be an important part of Chicago’s offence, but the 10-year NBA veteran also intends to help develop the team’s younger players.
“Being a mentor to the younger guys, that’s my job,” Hield said during training camp. “Help Caleb, Matas and Josh get to where they need to get and help them to the fullest so they can get to the next level.”
Hield also demonstrated his shooting touch during practice, making 23 of 25 attempts in a three-point drill. “I love that drill,” he said. “It keeps you mentally focused after practice. Lock in. It’s a fun drill, man. Shooter’s mentality always.”
Meanwhile, Edgecombe continued to build on an encouraging start to his second NBA season with the 76ers, scoring a team-high 19 points in Saturday’s 144-106 preseason loss to the Boston Celtics.
The 21-year-old guard shot 6 of 11 from the field and 2 of 5 from three-point range, while making five of six free throws in 26 minutes. He also recorded four steals, four assists and three rebounds.
Edgecombe’s performance followed an 11-point outing against the Brooklyn Nets and a 12-point, seven-assist display in Philadelphia’s preseason opener against the New York Knicks.
The Bahamian guard has also been working to improve his shooting, finishing ability and ball-handling during the offseason as he prepares for a larger role in Philadelphia’s second unit.
His development comes as the 76ers welcome major additions to their roster, including LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, alongside returning stars Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Edgecombe is expected to contribute through his defensive pressure, transition scoring and ability to play alongside the team’s established guards.
With the preseason nearing its conclusion, both Bahamians have provided encouraging signs. Hield has shown the outside shooting Chicago sought when it acquired him, while Edgecombe continues to demonstrate the versatility that made him one of the NBA’s most promising young guards.