Atlanta Hawks: Will Robinson, Hunter & Aldrich Stay?
By Chris Guest
Though he has never really been given a serious chance at the NBA’s highest levels (only getting a cup of coffee with the Celtics in his most substantial stint in the league), Hunter’s shooting pedigree proves that he might be able to stick on the Atlanta Hawks roster ahead of both Robinsons and Aldrich.
Hunter played three seasons with the Georgia State Panthers, even winning two straight Sun Belt Player of the Year awards in his sophomore and junior seasons.
His career average of 35 percent shooting from distance might not scream “knockdown outside shooter,” but those numbers were brought down considerably by his shocking 30 percent clip from distance in his final season with GSU – a year in which he hit the shot of his career so far, which was a game-winning triple against Baylor (and Taurean Prince) in the first round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament.
Hunter’s slim build (6’5”, 185 pounds) means he will likely be limited to a microwave bench guard role, but if he can sustain solid shooting numbers from distance, he should be able to make a name for himself on an Atlanta Hawks roster that could use as many talented, high-upside young players that it can muster.
Just look at how Tyler Dorsey fared last season in a similar role and a comparable draft slot: If a player can shoot the ball from distance and showcase some mild ball skills, the NBA (and the Hawks in particular) should be able to find a place for you.
That’s exactly where Hunter’s situation stands, so we shall see whether or not the Hawks opt to keep him on the roster going forward.