The Atlanta Hawks drafted very intelligently for several seasons to build a very interesting young hard core. Except that the problem is the same for all franchises in this situation: when players grow and evolve, it is not possible to keep everyone. Cam Reddish et Kevin Huerter were sacrificed. The others have been extended. The latest being De’Andre Hunter. The 24-year-old winger signed his new contract just before the deadline yesterday. The amount ? $95 million over four years.
It’s quite a good deal. The fourth choice of the 2019 draft has obvious room for improvement. Injuries have hampered his development but he was very comfortable in the first round of the playoffs against the Miami Heat last season. Author of 35 points in Game 5, he finished the series with 21 points on average, 56% on shots and 46% on three-pointers while defending on Jimmy Butler.
De’Andre Hunter will still have a very important role this season. He is one of his 3 and Ds who bring bonding to a team. His outside address stretches the lines and he is tasked with defending on top forwards every night. With its extension, the Hawks now have all of their executives under contract for at least two years.
DeAndre Hunter, talent but still an injury for a Hawks executive