As I reported yesterday, it looks like the Hawks will be without De’Andre Hunter for at least the next month, and he could miss up to two after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery. It’s yet another blow to a Hawks team that has been ravaged by injuries this season. However, as has been the case all year, Hunter’s teammates have picked up the slack in his absence.
This time, it’s been Kevin Huerter. Red Velvet has started all four games since Hunter’s injury, averaging 16.5 points on 52.2% shooting from the field and an even better 53.3% mark from behind the arc. He’s also picked it up on the distributing end, dishing out 4.5 assists per contest.
Since his rookie season, Huerter’s potential has been apparent. Not many guys can step into the league, shooting 38.5% from the three-point line in their first year and be disappointed… but Huerter was. He undoubtedly has the best shooting stroke on the team and is an underrated playmaker with the ball in his hands. There’s a reason Dwyane Wade sought him out to swap jerseys during his last game against the Hawks. Game recognizes game, and Huerter is only beginning to scratch the surface of his potential. Hopefully, his stellar play continues because the Hawks need this type of production while De’Andre Hunter and Bogdan Bogdanovic miss significant time.
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Photo: Austin McAfee/Icon Sportswire
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