Atlanta, GA

Hunter is flourishing in a unique role for Atlanta

Published

12 months ago

December 14, 2024

Hunter is flourishing in a unique role for Atlanta

Before the 2021 NBA Draft Lottery, the Atlanta Hawks had their target set on selecting the two-way wing from Virginia, De’Andre Hunter. He was viewed as the next man up to continue a rebuild in Atlanta, as he possessed the potential to dominate both sides of the ball.

In two seasons with the Virginia Cavaliers, Hunter averaged 12.4 points and 4.4 rebounds per game while shooting 50.9% from the floor and 41.9% from three. However, his second season was his best. The former four-star recruit accumulated several conference honors in 2019 and won the national championship.

Through the eyes of Hawks executives, they saw a young yet seasoned star who could fill in various holes across the game plan. Hunter’s size and skillset allowed him to score in any area and lock down nearly every position.

Following summer league and training camp, the coaching staff provided Hunter with quality minutes as he proved himself behind the scenes. He lived up to expectations in his rookie season, averaging 12.3 points and 4.5 boards in 63 games.

However, from that point forward, Hunter’s progression in the NBA appeared to stagnate. He missed significant amounts of time due to injury, and when he was active, he seemed to leave a minimal impact on both ends of the court. This led to trade rumors surrounding his future in Atlanta.

In October of 2022, the Hawks signed Hunter to a four-year, $90 million extension. The front office still had faith in his potential, but NBA fans worldwide questioned this decision by Atlanta. They essentially paid an unproven player who has encountered multiple health concerns.

Fast forward to 2024-25, and the decision to pay Hunter seems like less and less of a mistake. He is finally having the career season fans have anticipated for years, adding to why Atlanta has been able to defeat teams like the Celtics and Cavaliers.

In 14 games this season, Hunter is averaging 19.3 points and 4.0 rebounds per game while shooting an exceptionally high true shooting percentage of 63.4.

What makes this season different from the rest is Hunter’s role in the active rotation. Head coach Quin Snyder felt it was best to bring Hunter off the bench, especially with the development of first overall pick Zaccharie Risacher.

Now, when Hunter checks in, he’s ready to score and make an impact. He attempts excellent shots, moves off the ball, and finishes at a high rate in the paint. Defensively, Hunter’s frame gives him leverage to slide his feet and force a turnover.

Of the nine times Hunter has scored over 20 points this season, his best was in an overtime win against the Los Angeles Lakers. In 34 minutes off the bench, he posted 26 points on 9-for-15 shooting, with five made three-pointers.

The only hurdle in Hunter’s way of winning Sixth Man of the Year is injuries. He must meet the 65-game minimum to be eligible for the award. So far, he has missed 11 games, most of which are due to knee injury management.

That said, Hunter is easily having his best season since being drafted. He is playing winning basketball and is a prominent reason why the Hawks are in the Eastern Conference playoff picture.

Source link

Related Topics:a atlanta Featured flourishing for front page hoops hunter in is opinion peachtree role unique

Click to comment

Atlanta, GA

Starters Braves Have on Their Radar, Top Prospects in Play

Published

2 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Press Room

Starters Braves Have on Their Radar, Top Prospects in Play

The Atlanta Braves have locked down two free agents. One bolstered the bullpen while the other diversified their options on the offense. Now, from what we’re hearing, the attention has turned to fortifying the rotation.

We are gaining an idea of who the Braves are targeting on the starting pitching market. Framber Valdez and Michael King appear to be the top two free-agent options they’re taking a look at, per source. The goal would be to land one of the two. How far along any potential talks are or if they’re currently talking at all is unclear. We just know now that these two are preferred targets.

Previous reports said that the Mets and Giants had previously chatted with Valdez. King is on the radar of the Tigers and Cubs. There are contenders in play for these same guys.

Signing a free agent is their plan A for acquiring starting pitching depth. What we are hearing confirms the willingness to cough up a draft pick to make a big signing. Both have a qualifying offer attached to them.

That being said, they are willing to go out on the trade market if needed and in a specific circumstance. Plan B is to make a deal for Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Freddy Peralta.

The 2025 All-Star has been rumored to be a trade candidate since the start of the offseason. What we are hearing lines up with previous speculation as to the type of moves the Braves could make. The Athletic’s Jim Bowden suggested the Braves make a move for Peralta, and part of that suggestion included a potential trade piece that would likely be dealt in this scenario.

The Brewers would likely want to make the centerpiece of the return the Braves’ No. 2 prospect, JR Ritchie. However, the Braves would likely prefer to hang onto Ritchie. They see him as a key piece of their future. They would likely prefer to make the centerpiece of the deal Hurston Waldrep, who showed significant promise once she was called up toward the end of last season.

Another player would likely be dealt along with one of the two names. The Braves would like to know whether an extension would be in play. They wouldn’t want to make the move for strictly a rental.

However, the Brewers want to get a trade done during the offseason. If he’s on the roster during the regular season, it would put them in a bind. They don’t see him as someone they’ll be able to keep around, but if they’re contending, they can’t trade him at the deadline. He would have to stick around for a push, and then he would walk.

Meanwhile, the Braves are pushing to have a top-five payroll in the league for next season. That puts them in the position to take on one of the two possible free-agent signings or take on a contract extension in a potential trade.

More From Atlanta Braves on SI

Source link

Atlanta, GA

2 Dead In Fiery Crash On Interstate 75 In Atlanta

Published

14 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Press Room

2 Dead In Fiery Crash On Interstate 75 In Atlanta

ATLANTA, GA — Two people are dead following a fiery crash on Interstate 75 in Atlanta, according to police.

The crash occurred shortly before 3:15 a.m. Saturday on southbound I-75 near Cleveland Avenue Southwest. According to police, a Kia Sportage was traveling on I-75 when the driver lost control of the vehicle while attempting to exit at Cleveland Avenue.

Police said the vehicle left the roadway, hit a pole and subsequently caught fire.

Two unidentified occupants of the vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators with the Atlanta Police Department Accident Investigations Unit responded to the scene to determine what led to the crash. The investigation into the collision is ongoing.

Source link

Atlanta, GA

Atlanta chef charged after shooting 2 suspected teen porch pirates outside his home

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Press Room

Atlanta chef charged after shooting 2 suspected teen porch pirates outside his home

An Atlanta chef allegedly shot two teenagers who were suspected of trying to steal packages outside his home in broad daylight.

Rakim Bradford was charged with two counts of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony after he opened fire on the boys, ages 15 and 16, at his townhouse in the Mays neighborhood, southwest of Downtown Atlanta, on Thursday around 3:40 p.m.

Bradford, the head chef at an area IHOP, according to his LinkedIn, was at his home on the 700 block of Celeste Lane SW when he noticed the teens near his front porch, Atlanta Police said.

Officials believe the teens had traveled to the Villages of Cascade complex, where they spotted a delivery van and followed it, according to Atlanta News First, citing Bradford’s arrest warrant.

“After the packages were dropped, they agreed to steal that package from the front of the residence,” the warrant stated.

Bradford caught the teens going for the packages and allegedly shot the pair before they could steal the delivery.

“We believe a property crime was occurring, that some packages were being taken off a front porch, which is common this time of year,” Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum told reporters. “The homeowner did discharge his weapon to stop that theft of packages.”

The unidentified 15-year-old was found with a gunshot wound to the right foot. Officers later found the 16-year-old suffering from a gunshot to the right arm.

He was transported to the hospital in critical condition before undergoing surgery. The teen is expected to survive.

“The Atlanta Police Department takes gun violence very seriously,” Schierbaum said. “Anytime a child is injured in our city, we really take that really seriously. We want to make sure they know what’s happening.”

Bradford was detained after the shooting and brought in for questioning.

Officials ruled out a home invasion and didn’t announce any charges against the two teens.

Neighbors warned potential porch pirates of stealing packages from other homes.

“Don’t go and steal people’s packages,” Andrew Julian told the outlet. “On the other side of that, what right do you have to defend your own home, and then what decision do you make to defend your own home based on somebody taking an item off of your porch? So, it’s certainly a conversation to be had.”

Source link