A look at De’Andre Hunter’s college production, and how that might translate to giving the Atlanta Hawks surplus value – despite the fact that he was drafted in the Top 5 of the 2019 NBA Draft.
Despite the Atlanta Hawks giving up a hefty sum in order to move up to #4 overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, De’Andre Hunter might just be worth it. After successfully leading his Virginia Cavaliers to the team’s first-ever national championship on the back of the “pack line defense” – which Hunter was a huge part of anchoring – the Cavs won some extremely close, memorable games, including the Final in overtime against the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
While Hunter’s defense is utterly unimpeachable (and one of the big reasons the Hawks took Hunter in the Top 5), where he will truly provide value for the Hawks is on the offensive end alongside gifted offensive stars such as Trae Young, John Collins and Kevin Huerter – especially since all four players should share a lot of court time as part of the team’s projected starting lineup.
Hunter’s shooting profile, per Bart Torvik’s shooting splits, are extremely promising. There were only 25 players in the NCAA last season that attempted at least 125 shots at the rim, 150 non-rim two-pointers and 100 three-pointers, and Hunter was one.
On that list, De’Andre was 9th in non-rim two-pointer percentage (42.9%), 5th in at-rim shooting percentage (69.2%) and 2nd in three-point percentage (43.8%) – behind only Jaylen Nowell, who was drafted 43rd by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The only other player on this list that finished Top 10 in all three categories was Justin Wright-Foreman, a diminutive guard out of Hofstra who was drafted by the Utah Jazz at #53 overall.
When looking at how Hunter shot from NBA range, The Stepien showcases Hunter attempting 65 NBA-range triples and actually shooting slightly better on those that his norm at 44.6 percent. A promising sign.
That level of production is extremely promising for the 21-year-old and when combined with his astonishing defense, Hunter should be able to immediately fill the role that Taurean Prince was meant to play.
Though many scoffed at the high price the Atlanta Hawks paid to move up to draft a player many deemed to be a “safe” pick, there is still a fairly high chance that he can outperform his draft slot – if though he was drafted in the Top 5.
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