Atlanta Hawks’ Kevin Huerter: Point Guard?

Analyzing Atlanta Hawks’ shooting guard Kevin Huerter‘s ability to run the offense.

Ever since the team cut Jaylen Adams this past summer, the Atlanta Hawks haven’t had a true backup point guard.

Both Evan Turner and DeAndre’ Bembry, wings who have shown ability to handle the ball throughout their careers, have worked behind Trae Young this season. However, a new name has entered that group: Kevin Huerter.

The sophomore shooting guard has shown real ability to both make smart, patient passes and handle the ball well enough to run point.

He’s averaged 5 assists per game over his last 5 starts, well above his 2.9 career average.

He’s probably the 2nd best ‘point guard’ on the team, although it’s tough to have him back up Trae when he starts alongside him. If head coach Lloyd Pierce really wanted to, he could stick Huerter back on the bench, but Cam Reddish has really struggled as a part of the starting 5, and Bembry is a key contributer off the bench – probably the closest thing to a 6th man Atlanta has.

Further, Trae is currently averaging 34.8 minutes per game, 14th most in the league, leaving just about 13 minutes of time wherein the Hawks actually need a back up 1-guard.

Huerter can certainly still provide point guard capabilities both while Young takes a breather on the bench, and simply just to shake things up if they’re both on the floor.

At the very least, it’s nice to see Huerter add a new aspect to his game, and should no longer be thought of as simply a spot up shooter.

He can play 1, 2, or 3, convincingly now, adding highlight passing to go along with his smooth stroke from outside.

The 19th overall pick from a year ago is looking more and more like a Draft day steal for the Hawks.

Huerter and the gang will next be in action tonight, as they take on the Lakers in Atlanta at 6 p.m EST.