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Atlanta Hawks’ Midseason Grades: Kevin Huerter

By Dallin Duffy

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 27: Kevin Huerter #3 of the Atlanta Hawks controls the ball during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at State Farm Arena on December 27, 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)
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 27: Kevin Huerter #3 of the Atlanta Hawks controls the ball during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at State Farm Arena on December 27, 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) /
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Giving out a grade to Atlanta Hawks shooting guard Kevin Huerter at the season’s mid-way point.

As both the Atlanta Hawks’ and NBA’s regular season draw close to the mid-way point, it’s time to start giving out some midseason grades.

First up, we’ll be taking a look at second year guard Kevin Huerter.

Huerter came into the year with expectations likely higher than the should be. He was coming off a terrific rookie campaign wherein he averaged 9.7 points per game, shooting 38% from deep. He looked like a true piece of the future after starting 59 games and establishing himself as a deep threat.

This year however, Huerter had a slow start. He was dealing with a knee injury early on, relegating him to a bench role, from where he never seemed to find his rhythm.

It wasn’t until mid-November when he jumped back into the starting five, but soon after that he had to miss a few weeks with a shoulder injury.

Since returning from that injury however, Huerter has gotten to form.

In the 18 games since, he’s averaged 12.9 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game, shooting 41% from the field and 39% from three. All of those stats are better than his totals from his rookie season.

After failing to reach 20 points in his first 24 games on the year, he did it back to back in the two games after, scoring a season-high 26 in the Hawks’ January 4th victory over Indiana, and 22 against the Nuggets two days later.

Outside of numbers, Huerter has made strides both as a catch and shoot guy, and a shot creator. He can do both from mid range, and of course from deep.

Huerter’s main progress has came in the form of a evolution to his game. Huerter has improved greatly as a ball-handler and passer, even some ability to run an offense.

https://twitter.com/HoHighlights/status/1215089418320711681

Lloyd Pierce has given Huerter the keys to the offense several times with Trae Young off the court, and he’s probably the team’s 2nd best point guard at this point.

Verdict:

B -. Huerter started the season with injuries and high expectations, not ideal for a 2nd year player. He’s eventually shaken off the rust and is once again the offensive stud we knew him to be a year ago.. SG. Hawks. KEVIN HUERTER

The Hawks play their 41st game of the season tonight, officially marking the halfway mark on the season.

Next. Are the Atlanta Hawks asked too much of De'Andre Hutner?. dark

Expect more midseason content to hit the site, including more player grades.

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