Atlanta Hawks: 5 players crucial to playoff success

Atlanta Hawks. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Atlanta Hawks. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta Hawks. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta Hawks player crucial to playoff success – Kevin Huerter

The Hawks have come to rely on the talents of the third-year pro. Kevin Huerter has been there for the team in so many ways this season, He has started in place of injured players, he has also been the floor leader and playmaker for the second unit.

Huerter has led the team in steals per game this season. When the playoffs come around, this defense will prove to be a crucial piece of their strategy to stopping the opposition. Huerter creates offense from his defense, which is crucial when the game slows down in the postseason.

On top of that, Huerter will have a large role in taking pressure off the team’s playmakers, Young, Bogdanovic, and Lou Williams. Huerter has the ability to create good looks for others and for himself. He is struggling with his shot since his shoulder injury, but he is starting to get it back.

Huerter has shown that he can shoot the 3-ball but is incredibly adept at getting to the mid-range, where he is hitting his shot at 56.3 percent. It is this ability to break down an opponent’s defense and creating confusion that will be crucial for the Hawks this postseason.