We have enough of a sample size to see that De’Andre Hunter had no business in being drafted 4th in the 2019 NBA draft. It is actually almost laughable at how bad the Hawks drafted. Sure, it is easier to look back in hindsight and say “yeah that wasn’t the best decision.” But when only 3 people were drafted when you are selecting, you are open for any type of criticism. The Hawks scouting department needs to do better if they are truly going to contend eventually with all their young talent. Other than Trae Young and John Collins, they have no prominent talent to be feared. I mean he’s not even close to being Trae Young’s best teammate. The idea had to be to draft the best player available. Looking at that now, you’re telling me that De’Andre Hunter was the best player available? Yikes, not even.
De’Andre Hunter Stats
De’Andre Hunter would have been a good draft pick if it was later on in the draft. But at 4, it was definitely a reach. It’s not like he is a total bust though. He has produced some for the Atlanta Hawks. He is currently averaging 12.3 PPG on 41.3 FG%. That’s good enough to be 3rd for the Hawks in scoring. That doesn’t show you how good Hunter is, rather how bad the Hawks are. Of all rookies, that currently ranks 10th, not exactly ideal for your 4th overall pick in the draft. His rebound numbers don’t help his case either. He gets 4 RPG, which isn’t terrible actually. But for the Hawks, that ranks 7th on the team. For rookies, his 4 RPG average only ranks 12th. In assists, he averages an unimpressive 1.8 APG, well down the line for his team and for all rookies. The worst part about these numbers is that he has practically started every game and has played almost 32 minutes per game. When you think 4th overall pick, this amount of production, or lack thereof, is not ideal in the slightest.
I know what you are thinking: “Chick, he’s only a rookie, he has his whole career to figure it out!” While that may be true, there are a couple things I have wrong with that. 1. That is under the impression that he does figure it out. 2. It is the present and as of right now, his 4th overall draft selection was a terrible pick. I don’t have anything personal against De’Andre Hunter, really I don’t. But I have to criticize when I see fit. There are plenty of rookies chosen after him that are doing more with a lesser role. He doesn’t get any passes from me. He may never be worthy of his 4th overall draft selection, but at this point, I just need a better effort from him.
