Steph Curry and the Warriors are adjusting quickly to life without Klay Thompson. Their $21 million free agency addition, Buddy Hield, is responsible for that. The veteran 3-point specialist has seamlessly fit in Thompson’s role, ensuring the Warriors remain a threat in that department.

Hield had an impressive preseason where he shot 48.7% from 3. He continued that run in his season debut on Wednesday, exploding for a team-high 22 points off the bench, shooting 8 of 12, including 5 of 7 from 3-point range, helping the Warriors to a 139-104 blowout win against the Trail Blazers.

“The guy just loves to play basketball,” Curry said about Hield (h/t Warriors reporter Anthony Slater).

“He loves to hoop, loves to be in the gym. He’s got a great personality.”

Steph Curry spoke on Buddy Hield’s behalf about how he’s happy to play in the Warriors’ system, which suits his game well as a 3-point shooter. Curry also reflected on knowing about Hield as an option to replace the departing Klay Thompson, who left in free agency to join the Mavericks.

“Without Klay, you needed shooting, we needed shooting anyway,” Curry said. “We know what the skillset is, we know what he’s capable of. It’s been a very seamless transition so far.”

The Warriors haven’t had much to lose after Thompson’s departure. With his salary off the books, they added quality role players across the board, forming a deep roster. Buddy Hield was probably their most important signing, as he was a reliable candidate to keep the Warriors’ 3-point shooting.

The Warriors are enjoying the new season with an unbeaten run during preseason, followed by a blowout win in their first game. The new signings have been performing up to the mark, especially Buddy Hield.

However, the Warriors need this kind of effort nightly to hit their ceiling. While they surrounded Steph Curry with quality role players, the team still lacks a reliable secondary scorer. It has been a consistent problem since Kevin Durant left. Jordan Poole and Klay Thompson didn’t live up to the billing. Despite that, they were the Dubs’ best secondary options.

With them leaving, the onus will be on Hield, Andrew Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga to step up. Hield has already established himself as the offensive spark plug off the bench. His gravity, alongside Steph Curry’s, makes the Warriors’ offense difficult to contain. Steve Kerr will hope Hield continues his tremendous run. It will be crucial to having a successful NBA season.