From an injury perspective, it’s been an excruciating year for the Hawks. Seemingly every player on the roster from Trae Young to Allen Crabbe has dealt with some sort of nagging issue. Most recently, rookie De’Andre Hunter dislocated his right index finger in the Hawks win over the Warriors on Monday. He will be out for Wednesday’s game against the Nets, but the Hawks will receive a boost to their rotation as Kevin Huerter returns to the bench – Lloyd Pierce said earlier today.
De'Andre Hunter will not play tonight vs. the Nets, but Kevin Huerter will be available, Lloyd Pierce says.
— Sarah K. Spencer (@sarah_k_spence) December 4, 2019
Huerter started the season injured and was just beginning to get his feet under him when Nikola Jokic fouled him hard on a shot from the elbow. He was diagnosed with a rotator cuff strain and has not played since November 12th.
On the season, Huerter is averaging 9.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists on 42.7% shooting and 38.6% from behind the arc. If the Hawks have a “Big 3” right now, he is the third leg of it. Having him back will provide a huge boost, especially when Hunter is able to return. And at the end of the month, John Collins’ 25-game suspension will finally be over. This isn’t the start the Hawks envisioned, but expect a totally different looking group as the calendar flips to the new year.