The Golden State Warriors have been building momentum in recent games as they push to solidify their spot in the NBA playoffs. A major factor in their resurgence has been the chemistry within the locker room, and according to head coach Steve Kerr, one player, in particular, has played a crucial role in form a relationship with Stephen Curry—Buddy Hield.
Hield has brought an infectious energy to Golden State, and his impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. In fact, he has quickly become one of Stephen Curry’s most beloved teammates.
“Steph told me he’s one of his favorite teammates of all time. Buddy is,” Kerr revealed on 95.7 The Game’s Willard & Dibs show. “Just the joy that he brings, the laughter, the upbeat nature—regardless of how things are going, whether he’s making shots or missing shots, he’s always in a good mood. And that stuff is crucial in a long season.”
“In the locker room, you need guys like that. So everybody loves Buddy. He’s just a wonderful, wonderful person.” Hield’s presence has been a key factor in helping the Warriors regain their footing in the Western Conference. Now sitting at the No. 6 seed, Golden State is focused on securing a postseason berth.
Buddy Hield responds to Curry’s praise
After Kerr’s revelation about Curry’s admiration for him, Hield addressed the comments during an interview on 95.7 The Game’s Steiny & Guru show at Chase Center.
“It means a lot, coming from a guy like him,” Hield said. “I’m just here trying to be a sponge and learn from him every day. I know he goes through a lot on and off the basketball court.”
“Just what he’s chasing, the ups and downs of the season—so I’m just trying to keep that positive light around him, make him smile, make him enjoy every day. Sixteen years in the league is a lot. I’m at nine years, and I already see the pressure and the ups and downs. It’s never easy, especially for a guy of his stature and how long he’s been carrying this league.”
“I just know that he needs that positivity around him all the time, good energy and good vibes. If I can be that positive energy—so he can feed off it every day, whether he’s having good or bad days—it’s good for us and good for the team.”
The importance of locker room chemistry
It’s clear that team performance isn’t just about skill—it also depends on mentality and chemistry within the locker room. In professional sports, players with contagious energy like Hield are often referred to as “glue guys,” but he has proven to be much more than that for the Warriors.
The team has displayed strong cohesion in recent games, and beyond their improved play, it’s evident how attitudes can spread within a roster. Since the arrival of Jimmy Butler, Golden State has seen firsthand how the mentality of one player can elevate an entire team. That’s exactly the kind of impact Buddy Hield is having—bringing energy, positivity, and a winning mindset to a team looking to make a deep NBA playoff run.