De’Andre Hunter, a standout forward for the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA, has made a name for himself as an elite two-way player, combining a knack for scoring with a reputation as a defensive stalwart. After being drafted as the 4th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, Hunter quickly became one of the key players for the Hawks, earning recognition for his versatility on both ends of the floor. In this article, we will dive deep into De’Andre Hunter’s stats, breaking down his journey from college to the NBA, and analyzing his key contributions to the Atlanta Hawks’ success.

Who Is DeAndre Hunter? A Brief Introduction

Before we delve into the nitty-gritty of De’Andre Hunter’s career stats, it’s important to understand who he is as a player and how he arrived at his current level in the NBA.

Hunter was born on December 2, 1997, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He played high school basketball at Friends Central School in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, where he displayed his exceptional athleticism and basketball IQ. He later went on to play for the University of Virginia Cavaliers under coach Tony Bennett. As a member of the Cavaliers, Hunter became a standout player, known for his strong defense, versatility, and ability to score at various levels. He was a crucial part of Virginia’s NCAA Championship-winning team in 2019, playing a pivotal role in their victory with his two-way play.

Following his successful college career, De’Andre Hunter declared for the 2019 NBA Draft and was selected 4th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers. However, he was immediately traded to the Atlanta Hawks, where he began his professional career. Hunter’s combination of defensive tenacity and scoring ability made him an intriguing prospect, and he quickly earned a starting spot on the Hawks.

De’Andre Hunter’s NBA Career: A Breakdown of His Stats

De’Andre Hunter’s NBA journey has been one of consistent development. In this section, we’ll look at his performance through the various stages of his career, including his rookie season, his sophomore year, and his growth in the 2023-2024 season.

Rookie Season (2019-2020): A Promising Start

Hunter’s rookie season with the Atlanta Hawks showed flashes of the potential that led to his high draft selection. He was immediately thrust into a starting role and showcased his ability to contribute on both ends of the floor.

Rookie Stats:

Games Played: 63

Points per Game (PPG): 12.3

Rebounds per Game (RPG): 5.3

Assists per Game (APG): 1.8

Field Goal Percentage (FG%): 43.2%

Three-Point Percentage (3P%): 35.5%

Free Throw Percentage (FT%): 77.6%

Steals per Game (SPG): 1.0

Blocks per Game (BPG): 0.8

Hunter’s performance in his rookie year reflected the reason he was so highly regarded coming into the league. He showed he was capable of being a reliable scorer, hitting shots from beyond the arc, and playing solid defense. He was also a capable rebounder for his position, often contributing to the Hawks’ efforts on the glass.

Sophomore Season (2020-2021): Defensive Growth and Playoff Push

Hunter’s second season in the NBA was a crucial one for his development. He was increasingly relied upon as a core player for the Hawks, especially with the team’s push to return to the playoffs after several years of mediocrity. In the 2020-2021 season, Hunter demonstrated considerable growth, especially on the defensive side of the ball, and was able to stay healthy for a larger portion of the season.

Sophomore Stats:

Games Played: 23

PPG: 15.0

RPG: 4.8

APG: 1.9

FG%: 48.4%

3P%: 37.3%

FT%: 78.4%

SPG: 0.9

BPG: 0.6

Hunter’s offensive game took a leap in his sophomore year as he became a more consistent scorer, improving his shooting efficiency and expanding his game beyond the three-point line. Unfortunately, his season was cut short due to a knee injury, which led to him missing significant time during the Hawks’ deep playoff run.

However, when he was on the court, Hunter’s ability to contribute on both sides of the ball was evident. His performance helped Atlanta secure a playoff spot, and he was a key factor in their successful run to the Eastern Conference Finals, where they eventually lost to the Milwaukee Bucks.

2021-2022 Season: Injury Struggles and Recovery

De’Andre Hunter entered the 2021-2022 season with high expectations, but his progress was hindered by injuries. He missed several games during the season due to knee problems, which slowed his growth and consistency on both ends of the floor. Despite this, when he did play, Hunter showed his potential as a two-way player, capable of locking down opponents defensively and contributing offensively.

2021-2022 Stats:

Games Played: 55

PPG: 13.4

RPG: 3.3

APG: 2.0

FG%: 43.2%

3P%: 37.3%

FT%: 81.2%

SPG: 0.8

BPG: 0.7

Hunter continued to refine his offensive game, maintaining his ability to shoot from distance, while also contributing as a versatile defender. Though the Hawks did not perform as well as expected, Hunter’s individual performances were a silver lining, and he showed signs of recovery and development as a key piece of the team’s future.

2022-2023 Season: Solidifying His Role

By the 2022-2023 season, Hunter had firmly established himself as a starting player for the Hawks. He played more consistently, was healthy for a larger portion of the season, and his offensive and defensive game continued to improve. He was a crucial part of the Hawks’ efforts to stay competitive in the Eastern Conference, and his contributions on both ends of the floor were vital to their success.

2022-2023 Stats:

Games Played: 73

PPG: 14.9

RPG: 4.3

APG: 2.2

FG%: 45.0%

3P%: 38.0%

FT%: 79.5%

SPG: 1.0

BPG: 0.5

Hunter’s all-around contributions became even more crucial in the Hawks’ push for the playoffs. His ability to hit timely shots, defend elite players, and contribute as a secondary scorer next to Trae Young helped Atlanta secure a spot in the postseason.

2023-2024 Season: Looking to Take the Next Step

Heading into the 2023-2024 season, Hunter has established himself as one of the premier two-way players in the league. The Hawks are expecting him to continue to improve and take on more responsibility as they look to contend in the Eastern Conference. The early part of the season has shown that Hunter’s scoring has become more efficient, and his defense remains a cornerstone of his game.

2023-2024 (So Far) Stats:

Games Played: 15

PPG: 17.5

RPG: 5.1

APG: 2.3

FG%: 46.8%

3P%: 39.1%

FT%: 79.1%

SPG: 1.2

BPG: 0.6

Hunter’s current stats demonstrate his continued growth as a player, especially on the offensive end. He’s becoming more of a scoring threat, and his ability to shoot the ball efficiently from the field and beyond the arc has made him a reliable second option for the Hawks. His defense has remained elite, and he continues to be a player that opponents struggle to score against.

De’Andre Hunter’s Strengths and Impact on the Game

Hunter’s skill set is diverse, and he excels in several areas of the game. His most prominent strengths include:

Defense: One of the biggest draws of Hunter as a player is his defensive ability. He is capable of guarding multiple positions, including small forwards, shooting guards, and even power forwards. His defensive IQ, combined with his size (6’8” and 225 pounds), allows him to stay in front of his man and disrupt passing lanes. He’s shown the ability to guard some of the league’s best players, from LeBron James to Jimmy Butler, and consistently makes life difficult for opposing offensive players.

Scoring Versatility: Offensively, Hunter is known for his versatility. He can score in a variety of ways, including through drives to the basket, mid-range jumpers, and three-pointers. His smooth shot mechanics make him a reliable three-point shooter, and his ability to attack the rim makes him a dual threat on offense.

Basketball IQ: Hunter’s high basketball IQ is another aspect of his game that stands out. He understands his role on both ends of the floor and knows when to defer to his teammates, making him an effective part of the Hawks’ offense. Defensively, his ability to read plays and anticipate passes allows him to make critical stops at key moments.

Leadership: As one of the more experienced players on the Hawks’ roster, Hunter has become a leader for the team. His calm demeanor, work ethic, and maturity allow him to provide stability on the floor. His leadership extends beyond his scoring and defense, as he’s also seen as a player who can help guide the younger members of the team.

What’s Next for DeAndre Hunter?

De’Andre Hunter’s journey in the NBA has been one of steady growth and development. As a key player for the Atlanta Hawks, he has the potential to continue rising as one of the league’s premier two-way forwards. With the 2023-2024 season providing a platform for Hunter to further establish himself as a core piece of the Hawks’ future, there are high expectations for his continued development.

Looking ahead, Hunter’s ability to maintain his health, further refine his scoring game, and continue to lock down elite offensive players will be critical for both his personal growth and the Hawks’ success. If Hunter can stay healthy and keep improving, there’s no doubt that he will be a central figure in the Hawks’ pursuit of NBA championships for years to come.

FAQs

What is De’Andre Hunter’s role on the Atlanta Hawks?

Hunter serves as a key two-way player for the Hawks. Offensively, he is a reliable scorer who can create his own shot and knock down perimeter shots. Defensively, he’s often matched up against the opposing team’s best scorer, contributing as one of the Hawks’ primary defenders. His ability to contribute both on offense and defense has made him a valuable asset to the team.

How has De’Andre Hunter’s stats improved over time?

Hunter’s stats have steadily improved since entering the NBA. In his rookie season, he averaged 12.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. Over the years, his scoring, rebounding, and overall efficiency have improved. He’s become more comfortable with his shooting and defensive responsibilities, which has made him a more well-rounded player.

How does De’Andre Hunter’s stats compare to other NBA players?

Compared to other NBA forwards, De’Andre Hunter’s stats place him in the middle tier. While he may not have the high scoring numbers of some elite forwards, his all-around game, including defense, efficiency, and consistency, make him an important player for the Hawks. His ability to contribute in various areas of the game keeps him valuable.

What was De’Andre Hunter’s best game statistically?

One of De’Andre Hunter’s best games came in the 2021 playoffs, where he put up 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists in a crucial game against the New York Knicks. His defensive presence and timely scoring were key to the Hawks advancing in the postseason.

How does De’Andre Hunter’s stats reflect his impact on the game?

De’Andre Hunter’s stats highlight his impact on both ends of the floor. His scoring ability, combined with his solid rebounding and defense, makes him a versatile player who can contribute in many ways. He’s not necessarily a flashy player, but his efficiency and defense make him a valuable asset to the Hawks, especially in high-stakes situations.

In Summary

De’Andre Hunter is a crucial piece of the Atlanta Hawks, known for his strong two-way game. His stats reflect a steady improvement in scoring efficiency, defensive versatility, and overall impact on the court. While he may not always grab headlines like some superstar forwards, his ability to guard top scorers, contribute offensively, and perform in key moments makes him an invaluable player.

As he continues to develop, Hunter has the potential to elevate his game further, solidifying himself as one of the league’s best two-way wings. Whether it’s his scoring, defensive matchups, or playoff performances, his numbers show that he is an essential asset for the Hawks’ success. Keep an eye on his stats as he progresses in his NBA career.

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