Atlanta Hawks: 2020-2021 starters: locks, fringe guys, and break ins
De’Andre Hunter – Small Forward
General Manager Travis Schlenk’s confirmation that Danilo Gallinari was signed to back up John Collins leaves room for De’Andre Hunter to start at small forward for the Hawks.
Hunter had a pretty good rookie season for the Hawks, averaging 12.3 points per game on 41/35/76 shooting splits. He didn’t rebound the ball particularly well, just pulling in 4.5 per game, so he should look to improve on that in the starting spot this year if he’s awarded it.
Kevin Huerter – Shooting Guard/Small Forward
One name that’s sort of gotten lost in the shuffle after the draft and noteworthy free agency moves is Kevin Huerter‘s. Red Velvet started in most of the games he played in last season but missed some time due to a rotator cuff injury.
Huerter’s field goal percentage has stayed consistent his first two seasons in the league, falling ever-so-slightly from .419 to .413. The same goes for his three-point shooting percentage, going from .385 to .380. He’s mostly known as a spot-up shooter which could or could not be necessary with Trae and Bogdanovic on the floor. Huerter isn’t particularly good defensively or on the boards which may make someone like Cam Reddish more likely to start.
Next. Atlanta Hawks: What they did and didn't do this offseason. dark
The Atlanta Hawks should be poised to make their first playoff push in a while after drafting well and signing dome major free agents. They’ve done a good job surrounding Trae Young with shooters and guys who can help him hide his defensive struggles.
As the season draws nearer we’ll have to look for training camp news and updates as well as how the preseason goes to see who will ultimately lead the way on this now new-look Atlanta Hawks roster.