Atlanta Hawks fans say farewell and thank you to Red Velvet

In the four years that Kevin Huerter has been a member of the Atlanta Hawks franchise, there have been some ups and downs. In his first two seasons, the Hawks were not a successful outfit, having two losing seasons. Then they signed a heap of veterans and the team almost made the NBA Finals in his third season.

However, the first two seasons certainly taught Huerter his value to the team. Last season we called Huerter a Nate McMillan type of player, which basically meant that he gave the team what it needed when it needed it. He would score, be a playmaker, rebound, defend, or space the floor, with equal vigor.

Still, the NBA is a business and unfortunately, the Hawks needed to get better on the perimeter defensively, meaning that one of the current wings had to go. There is no way that De’Andre Hunter was being traded if the Hawks could avoid it and Bogdan Bogdanovic has a bad history with the Sacramento Kings. Unfortunately, it had to be Red Velvet.

The Atlanta Hawks faithful have so many good memories of Kevin Huerter.

Taken in the same draft as Trae Young, Huerter made the Hawks top-10 in 3-point field goals made and attempted all-time. His shooting is the reason that he was able to keep the sharp-shooting Bogdanovic on the bench for the second half of the season.

Huerter was incredible when the team needed him. He stepped in when the Hawks had so many injuries in the last two seasons and was one of the reasons that the Hawks were able to make the playoffs both seasons. We all remember Game No. 7 in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals against the Philadelphia 76ers. His 27 points were crucial in the Hawks’ win.

While we celebrated these high points with Huerter, we also lamented when he had to sit in the car park outside Madison Square Gardens. He was awaiting confirmation that he had Covid-19 and that he was not going to fulfill his dream of playing a Christmas Day game in his hometown arena. The Atlanta Hawks were due to play the New York Knicks

There has been an outpouring of support for Huerter on Twitter, showing how much he is loved. This is a reflection of the character of the man. Here are some examples below.

Trae Young also showed his former teammate some love as well.

This says all that you need to know about Heurter as a basketball player and a teammate. He is one of those players who it is going to be very difficult to see in another uniform. We wish him all the best and hope that he can help end the Kings’ 16-year playoff drought.

We will miss you Red Velvet.