DeAndre Bembry Showing us Massive Improvemet in Summer League
While the Afro may be gone, DeAndre Bembry has truly blossomed going into year two of his career.
If the two games of Hawks Summer League games has shown us anything, it’s that second year pro DeAndre Bembry has certainly taken a big step forward. Taken 21st overall in the 2016 NBA Draft by the Hawks, the product of St. Joseph’s University came into the NBA as an incredibly raw prospect; one that would certainly fit the culture of the Atlanta Hawks.
Bembry spent about half of his rookie season as part of the Hawks rotation, and half grooming himself in the NBA G-League. He put up good numbers in the G-League, but scarcely got minutes with the NBA team. When he did, he made a clear impact.
DeAndre Bembry is a player applauded for his versatility, it’s what made him a first round pick coming from a mid-major school. A 6’5″ wing that can run an offense like a point guard, defend the other team’s best player on the perimeter, finish at the rim as a slasher, grab rebounds and shoot the ball efficiently, Bembry has the look of a near perfect mold for the Hawks system.
The question concerning DeAndre Bembry was how long would it take before this guy can become an everyday contributor in the NBA. It hasn’t happened at a rate as posthaste as Tauren Prince, who became the Hawks’ bonafide starting three as a rookie. Some may have been expecting it to take years for Bembry to reach the level of NBA capability. However, it may be happening more rapidly than that.
With the Hawks completely cleaning house, NBA minutes are there for the taking. More particularly this is an opening for a player like DeAndre Bembry to show what he can do. The opportunity to jump right from the developing process to a possible full-time starter is what Bembry could very well be staring at. Now the question isn’t when he’ll start contributing in the league, because the time is now. The question now, is he ready for it?
If two Summer League games have given us any indication, it’s that DeAndre Bembry is ready.
Officially joining the “Too-Good to be in the Summer League” Club, Bembry has been stellar in his two performances. Putting up lines of 22 points (10-18 shooting), 4 rebounds, 2 rebounds, and 3 steals against the Brooklyn Nets and 16 points (4-6 FG, 8-10 FT), 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 6 steals against the New Orleans Pelicans Bembry has shown a true elevation in his play from when we saw him last.
The confidence coming out of DeAndre Bembry is overflowing so far. Not only is he playing under control, but playing we surplus amounts of aggression and attacking the rim like nobody can stop him. All of this while playing as the primary ball handler and facilitator, add-on averaging 4.5 steals, and Bembry is showing us the future right in front of us.
Next: Signing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is a Possibility
Being part of the main core of the Hawks’ future, a massive jump in improvement gives us an indication of just what Bembry can do once he’s permanently running with the big boys. We’re seeing it right now, and we’ll likely be seeing it all of next season.