Atlanta Hawks: 5 secret weapons for the NBA playoffs

Atlanta Hawks secret weapon No. 2) De’Andre Hunter

For most Hawks fans, Hunter is not a secret weapon. The way that he played at the start of the season was, to put it simply, was amazing. He took such a leap over the offseason that he would have been in the running for the Most Improved Player award. However, injury struck and Hunter has been sidelined until the last week or so.

He came back against the Washington Wizards and looked really good. He came through the three games he played really well and now has a week off to make sure that he is primed and ready to take on the Knicks best player, Julius Randle.

Offensively Hunter is shooting well from inside the arc, as well as getting to the line easily. His perimeter game is struggling a little. However, he appears not to have lost a step on defense and this is where he is going to have a huge impact on the round one playoff series.

The Hawks did not win against the Knicks all season long, Randle was a thorn in their side every game. However, in the last two games against the Knicks this season, Hunter did not play. His defense will be crucial to stopping the Knicks offensive leader. If he is beaten in the first game or two, this will not matter. Hunter learns from his mistakes and will improve every game he plays.