Buddy Hield’s Warriors recruitment led by Steve Kerr and Chris DeMarco – NBC Sports Bay Area & California

The Warriors were able to successfully recruit Buddy Hield despite interest from the Los Angeles Lakers. But who exactly was the driving force behind Golden State’s triumphant pursuit of the accurate guard?

Warriors coach Steve Kerr and his assistant Chris DeMarco were successful in convincing Hield to join the Warriors, Anthony Slater of The Athletic reported Wednesday.

DeMarco, the coach of the Bahamian national team for which Hield plays, had convinced the eight-year veteran to join Golden State while the two were in Spain for Olympic qualifying.

While DeMarco worked hard to convince Hield to choose the Warriors, Slater’s report indicates that a phone call with Kerr late Wednesday night, during which he had some time to sleep on it, ultimately tipped the balance in Thursday’s decision.

After agreeing to terms with veteran forward Kyle Anderson and two-way guard De’Anthony Melton, the Warriors’ reported signing of Hield reflects a strong rebound from the blow that came with the departure of franchise mainstay Klay Thompson.

DeMarco has been with the Warriors since 2012 and worked his way up from video coordinator to the assistant coach position he holds today.

Although he has been instrumental in building a dynasty with his behind-the-scenes contributions, DeMarco’s efforts to sign Hield will not go unnoticed, especially if the sharpshooter plays a role in Golden State’s return to the NBA.

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