Soaring Down South
Fansided

Atlanta Hawks: 3 Things to Be Thankful for Despite Rough Start

By Dallin Duffy

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 2: Vince Carter #15 of the Atlanta Hawks celebrates with DeAndre' Bembry #95 of the Atlanta Hawks during the first half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on January 2, 2019 in Washington, DC. 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. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 2: Vince Carter #15 of the Atlanta Hawks celebrates with DeAndre' Bembry #95 of the Atlanta Hawks during the first half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on January 2, 2019 in Washington, DC. 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. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Hawks
ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 26: De’Andre Hunter #12 talks with Cam Reddish #22 of the Atlanta Hawks during a game against the Orlando Magic at State Farm Arena on October 26, 2019 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. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

2 – Rookies’ Defense

Although De’Andre Hunter and Cam Reddish are 21 and 20, respectively, they certainly don’t play defense like they’re that young.

Both rookies have provided instant impact on that side of the floor, already solidifying their top-10 selections.

Hunter’s defense was predicted to be among the best in the draft class coming out of Virginina, and he has not disappointed. In the Hawks’ onslaught of tough games early on (more on that later), Hunter has often been charged with defending the opponent’s best player, and has delivered more times than not.

Cam’s defense was also a selling point in his draft profile, but was more of a compliment to his scoring than a main strength.

The shooting hasn’t come quite yet for Reddish, but the defending has in a big way.

In fact, both rooks started slow on the offensive side of things, with Hunter turning things on of late. They both have upside and sky-high potential on that side of the ball, but with their defense already showing up so early, it’s safe to say they’ll be in the NBA for a long time for that alone.

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