Hawks guard emerges as the best part of Atlanta’s trade deadline

The Atlanta Hawks shipped off De’Andre Hunter at the trade deadline, and many fans were understandably thrown off by the move. While Hunter’s value was at an all-time high, Landry Fields’ decision to capitalize on that value was never a given – until it happened.

Thankfully for the Hawks, they received some productive players in exchange for Hunter. One of those players has stood out from the rest since the deadline. 

Enter Caris LeVert.

Since LeVert joined the Hawks, he has emerged as Atlanta’s most consistent scorer off the bench. He has outshined fellow deadline additions Georges Niang and Terrance Mann with efficient bucket-getting and well-rounded production. 

LeVert has averaged 15.0 points in four games as a Hawk, and he is averaging 17.0 points on 54.1% shooting over his last three. His best game for Atlanta came in an overtime defeat to the New York Knicks when he stuffed the stat sheet with 20 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks. LeVert posted a +10 plus-minus in the 149-148 loss.

Upon the arrival of Atlanta’s trade acquisitions, Quin Snyder discussed LeVert’s strongest qualities in a February 7 press conference.

“Caris’ ability to create both for himself and for other guys is something that’s valuable to a team,” Snyder said. “I think people maybe don’t see or don’t know that he’s a very determined and efficient defender. That’s something also that we appreciate.”

Caris LeVert is filling the gap left by De’Andre Hunter and Bogdan Bogdanovic

While his play style does not exactly match that of Hunter and Bogdan Bogdanovic, LeVert has provided the kind of bench scoring Atlanta had enjoyed from Hunter this season and from Bogi over the years.

Through his four games with Atlanta, LeVert has fueled the Hawks bench with his impact as a creator for himself and others. This season, the Hawks have averaged the third-most bench points in the league with 42.1 points per contest from their second unit.

So far in the LeVert era, Atlanta’s bench has averaged 44.3 bench points. With LeVert running the show, the second unit has shot a blistering 49.3% from the field and 41.0% from three. While that level of high-octane efficiency may not be sustainable, the early results are promising.

In Atlanta’s last win before the All-Star break, LeVert poured in 18 points, eight rebounds, and three 3-pointers against the Orlando Magic. 

With the Hawks seemingly headed for the Play-In Tournament, Trae Young and company will need LeVert’s talent for some important moments and matchups down the stretch. LeVert averaged more than 20 points per game in the first two playoff series of his career with Brooklyn in 2019 and 2020.

Niang, who came with LeVert to Atlanta in the Hunter trade, has also proven his worth early on for the Hawks. The 31-year-old veteran has averaged 13.3 points on 45.8% shooting from beyond the arc. His chemistry with LeVert has carried over from Cleveland, and the Hawks are reaping the benefits of their new additions.

LeVert is commanding Atlanta’s second unit as well as anyone has all season, and he only joined the Hawks four games ago. Despite their uphill battle for a playoff berth, the Hawks have to be pleased with the hidden gem they found in LeVert.