Atlanta Hawks: De’Andre Hunter’s name belongs with the stars of the future

When Atlanta Hawks sophomore De’Andre Hunter was named to the Rising Stars game despite being out for a month with a knee injury, it was well deserved. Hunter has been incredible for the Hawks all season, having made a huge leap from his rookie year.

Hunter did not make the Rising Stars team last year. The only Hawks player to do so was Trae Young, who also was a starter in the main All-Star game. This shows that the NBA has respect for the work Hunter has put into his game and how it has improved over the shutdown and then the short offseason.

Prior to the injury, Hunter was one of the best Hawks players on a nightly basis. His averages in every traditional statistical category were higher than that of his rookie season. This is with the exception of turnovers and fouls where he is averaging less. Despite taking more attempts, he is shooting the ball at a better clip too.

Why the Atlanta Hawks sophomore star De’Andre Hunter deserves to be noted with the best young talent.

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While Hunter will probably not receive the same acclaim as names such as Zion Williamson, Ja Morant, James Wiseman, and LaMelo Ball, he is certainly a part of the NBA’s future. Hunter has shown that he is going to be a big part of the future for the Atlanta Hawks.

When he comes back from this current injury, he is going to hear a different voice as head coach and he will suck up all the knowledge he can. His physical body will probably not develop much more, it is now the knowledge of the pro game that Hunter will use to improve himself.

This is where Hunter is going to set himself above so many other players in his draft class. He has shown that he has the hunger and the passion to improve and will put in whatever work is required to get there. The future of the NBA is bright with De’Andre Hunter in it.