Soaring Down South
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3 Atlanta Hawks Who Disappointed This NBA Season

By Dallin Duffy

DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 23: Kevin Huerter #3 and DeAndre' Bembry #95 of the Atlanta Hawks run up court against the Detroit Pistons in the second half during an NBA game at Little Caesars Arena on December 23, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. 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. The Hawks defeated the Piston 98 to 95. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 23: Kevin Huerter #3 and DeAndre' Bembry #95 of the Atlanta Hawks run up court against the Detroit Pistons in the second half during an NBA game at Little Caesars Arena on December 23, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. 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. The Hawks defeated the Piston 98 to 95. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Hawks
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 20: DeAndre’ Bembry #95 of the Atlanta Hawks looks on prior to player introductions before facing the Toronto Raptors at State Farm Arena on January 20, 2020 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

DeAndre’ Bembry

If DeAndre’ Bembry was ever going to have a breakout season, this was going to be that season. It was on the heels of his best season to date and was the first “contract season” of his career.

He was essentially the Hawks’ sixth man to start the season, averaging over 20 minutes per game off the bench. Even as a leader of the second unit, Bembry struggled this season, failing to take strides from last season while also dealing with injuries.

Bembry’s numbers were down across the board, averaging fewer points, blocks, and rebounds than last year in similar minutes. While his field goal percentage as a whole did rise a bit, his three-point percentage dropped to 23 percent, the lowest since his rookie season.

He was never an offensive stalwart and was always more skilled on the other end. He’s not super athletic, but plays effort D and is a good energy guy. That skillset really showed last season when he was easily the Hawks’ best perimeter defender, but he took a step back in that department this season as well.

With rooks Cam Reddish and De’Andre Hunter both looking like defensive studs, it seems unlikely that Bembry finds his way back to the team next season.

The 25-year-old wing will hit restricted free agency this summer and has enough defensive potential for some team to offer up a modest deal, which I doubt the Hawks will match.

A good showing from Bembry this season and he could have cemented himself as a bench piece going forward, but with the Hawks roster already pretty full, and with free agency and the draft coming their way, Bembry played himself right off the team.

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