Who are the most crucial Atlanta Hawks players? Part 1

14. Jared Cunningham, SG 

Jared Cunningham scored eight points in 15 minutes off the bench. (Scott Cunningham/NBAE/Getty Images)

Jared Cunningham was my favorite player to watch this preseason. He can jump with the best the NBA has to offer (I am driving the Jared Cunningham 2014 Dunk Contest bus! Start the campaign now!).

He threw down the best dunk I have ever seen in person at the Hawks open practice three weeks ago — a reverse dunk off an ally-oop pass from Jeff Teague.

Cunningham probably cemented his roster spot in the preseason game against Memphis. He played solid defense in 15 minutes of work; forced turnovers; helped out teammates; and was able maneuver around screens at the defensive end.

Like Mike Scott, unfortunately, Cunningham has plenty of other players in front of him. He will not play much, unless the Hawks were to have a rash of injuries. But fans can look forward to some crowd pleasing dunks during garbage time at Philips Arena this season!