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 – FEBRUARY 26: Kevin Huerter #3 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after he is charged with a foul in the second half against the Orlando Magic at State Farm Arena on February 26, 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) /

Kevin Huerter

Kevin Huerter by no means had a terrible season or even a bad one. In fact, his numbers this year were very similar to his rookie season. But it’s for that very reason that Huerter’s season was a bit underwhelming.

He hit the ground running after being selected 19th overall in 2018, playing solid minutes right away for the Atlanta Hawks last year. He ended up making the All-Rookie second team and looking like a more than competent backcourt companion to Trae Young.

After that very nice rookie campaign, fans were excited to see the progress Red Velvet would make in his second season. After a rough start with some injuries, Huerter eventually returned to the starting lineup in early December and played… about the same as last year.

Huerter continued to be a solid three-point sniper, especially off the catch-and-shoot. He sets his feet in a hurry, shooting off screens and on the move. His range is underrated as well and made quite a few from well beyond the arch this season.

Huerter did make some strides as a playmaker, and coach Lloyd Pierce used him as a secondary ball-handler on occasion. While he wasn’t so good to warrant a full-time change to point guard or anything, he did show a new facet of his game.

Everything else, however, was just about the same as last season. Which again, is not a bad thing. We celebrated his rookie season, and are still excited about what he brings to the team in the future.

It’s just that many were expecting that big leap that many players take from their first to second seasons. While that jump could certainly come next season or the one after, it could also mean that Huerter has already hit his ceiling as a catch-and-shoot specialist with solid playmaking and middling defense.

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