Atlanta Hawks’ 2018-19 Season in Review: Justin Anderson
By Dallin Duffy
![ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 3: Justin Anderson #1 of the Atlanta Hawks seen following the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on April 3, 2019 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images) ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 3: Justin Anderson #1 of the Atlanta Hawks seen following the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on April 3, 2019 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/e3e844a8f2d89d1bbea7757934b72b108d5cf4ae363d2870e66acf557d54459e.jpg)
Final Thoughts
It seems weird that Anderson wasn’t a bigger part of the Hawks season. The 25 year-old still has room to grow in the league and Atlanta didn’t give him too big of a chance to do so.
Perhaps higher ups didn’t/don’t see the former Virginia Cavalier a part of the Hawks future, so developing guys like Bembry and Huerter over him makes sense. It’ll be interesting to see if he’ll be back in the ATL next season, but seeing as the Hawks have a handful of picks and money to spend elsewhere this summer, and seeing the role he took this season, I would be surprised if he returned.
If his stint in Atlanta ends up just being this one season, he’ll be remembered fondly.
He constantly gave it it all, despite not getting meaningful minutes most of the season. When turned to late in the year as a starter, he kept the Hawks in games with plus defense, tough rebounds and athletic finishes.
He’s a great teammate that multiple players have spoke highly of, and quickly won over the fans as well.
The outside shooting wasn’t anything special, and while his scoring in the paint is usually solid, his head-down drive style can sometimes get him into trouble.
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His upside can outshine those flaws, and he showed that on occasion.