Atlanta Hawks Drafted a Perfect Fit in De’Andre Hunter
By Kit Anderson
The Atlanta Hawks were determined to trade up into the top five. After striking a deal with the Pelicans the Hawks landed the fourth pick and drafted forward De’Andre Hunter.
When you study the Atlanta Hawks roster outside of Zion Williamson, De’Andre Hunter was seemingly the perfect player in this draft for Atlanta. He has a great outside shot and can defend at an elite level.
He will pair perfectly with Trae Young. He gives Atlanta a player who can help cover for Trae’s defensive shortcomings. He can guard any position and is explosive around the rim. Add in his solid shot from outside and it is hard to see why Hunter didn’t go in the top three.
There is little doubt he is a bargain at four. While his game may take time to transition to an NBA level he will soon be one of the better players on the Hawk’s roster.
The level of confidence the Hawks have in Hunter has to be reassuring as well. It appears as if Hunter knew he was going to land with Atlanta before the draft. Similar to how the Hawks decided Trae Young was there point guard of the future prior to the 2018 draft.
Last night’s draft was a win for Atlanta. They drafted a perfect fit for their roster and landed two top ten picks. Hunter’s status playing in summer league isn’t yet known due to the roster complications the trade caused.
The pick is still technically in the Lakers possession due to the Anthony Davis trade still not being complete. Meaning it could be the end of the summer before Hunter can officially join the Hawks. Atlanta will now turn their attention to free agency to add complimentary pieces.
Next. Donaldson Heating up. dark
Considering their current lack of cap space due to bad expiring contracts (Miles Plumlee, Kent Bazemore, and Allen Crabbe) it seems increasingly likely the team will remain quiet in free agency. Instead opting to continue focusing on building a young core to improve what is already a very bright future.