Atlanta Hawks: 4 Takeaways from Media Day 2018
By Chris Guest
Bembry Poised for Bounce-Back Season
One major ripple effect of the injuries to Justin Anderson and Daniel Hamilton is the fact that DeAndre’ Bembry will be poised to have a bounce-back season after a lost year in 2017-18.
Bembry struggled with multiple nagging injuries and his on-court product was not up to the standard he set in his rookie year nor his draft pedigree and athletic profile.
Bembry could be a good player for the Atlanta Hawks, but he must stay healthy and be given early opportunities with the team in 2018-19. New Hawk Vince Carter stated at media day that talking to and mentoring Bembry will be one of his main focuses as he takes the role of the grizzled, seen-it-all veteran.
For his part, Bembry told Peachtree Hoops’ Brad Rowland that he’s focused on staying healthy after having one of his best summers ever.
Rowland also reported that Bembry’s favorite player growing up was Vinsanity, so perhaps learning from one of his idols might unlock more in Bembry than just another veteran player or coach.
Lloyd Pierce notes that Vince Carter immediately asked who he could talk to and help on the roster upon arrival.
— Brad Rowland (@BTRowland) September 20, 2018
Pierce pointed to DeAndre’ Bembry and Kevin Huerter.
It was definitely a tough season last year for DeAndre’ Bembry, but if he stays healthy and stays motivated, there is no question that he has the athleticism and energy required to become an important part of the Atlanta Hawks for the future.