Atlanta Hawks Projected Starting Lineup for 2019-20 Season

Small Forward: De’Andre Hunter

Finally, some new blood. De’Andre Hunter marks the first new addition to the roster who will almost certainly be slotted in as the team’s starting small forward on day one. Though fellow rookie Cam Reddish is another vaunted prospect at the three and the Atlanta Hawks also added veterans Jabari Parker and Chandler Parsons to shore up the team’s wing depth, the Hawks will likely enable #4 overall pick Hunter much like they did Trae Young last season – to spectacular effect.

Of course, Hunter will not have the ball in his hands near as much as Ice Trae did to start the season last year, but that’s okay, as Hunter will most likely be utilized as a stalwart stopper perimeter defender and spot-up three-point shooter rather than an on-ball offensive weapon.

Certainly, Hunter showcased his chops at that role during the University of Virginia’s inspiring title run during March Madness – helping lead his team from a collapse as the only #1 overall seed to fall to a #16 seed in 2018 to national champs in 2019. No small feat for the newest Hawks rookie.

Hunter should provide the exact skill set that this Atlanta Hawks squad needs and one that was meant to be played by Taurean Prince. However, Prince never really panned out, as his lack of effort and consistency on the defensive end cost him his Atlanta Hawks gig via trade.

Though Hunter will surely experience some growing pains (as all rookies do), he was regarded as one of the “safest” prospects in the 2019 NBA Draft class, and he should be able to immediately contribute to winning basketball on day one as the team’s starting three man.