3 Atlanta Hawks players primed for disappointing seasons in 2024-25

De’Andre Hunter – 15.6 PPG/3.9 RPG/1.5 APG – .459/.385/.847

De’Andre Hunter should actually put together a similar season to his 2023-24 campaign statistically. But that season was very similar to his 2022-23 campaign and would, therefore, represent some stagnation from Hunter.

That is where the disappointment comes in.

For what he provides – defense and perimeter shooting in a 6-foot-8 frame and does not need the ball in his hands – Hunter is a bargain on his four-year, $90 million contract.

He has also not shown the kind of progress expected of a No. 4 pick, even one that entered the league as an older prospect in 2019. Hunter has also dealt with injury issues, failing to appear in 70 games in any season so far.

All of that can change in 2024-25. 

And draft stock only matters for so long before we have to assess players for what they are at the NBA level. Hunter is a useful to good player when he his healthy and on. But it is fair to note the lack of progress in recent years.

Hunter, perhaps joking, said he did not work to add anything to his game coming into last season. 

That does not mean he cannot show progress in the things he does well.

Hunter has come up in trade rumors in recent months, and the Hawks have an apparent replacement in Risacher. The time for Hunter to show that he has in fact added to his game could be this coming season.