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Hunter is flourishing in a unique role for Atlanta

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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.

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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.

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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.



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Atlanta, GA

Buckhead apartment building evacuated due to dangerous carbon monoxide levels

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Buckhead apartment building evacuated due to dangerous carbon monoxide levels


A Buckhead apartment building was evacuated for a time late Tuesday night due to a carbon monoxide alarm. 

What we know:

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The incident occurred at an apartment complex in the 2900 block of Pharr Court South. 

According to Atlanta Fire Rescue, firefighters are investigating elevated carbon monoxide levels.

The entire building was evacuated as a precaution. 

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One person was evaluated at the scene for possible carbon monoxide exposure. 

Crews ventilated the building while they looked for the source.

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Firefighters say they were able to finally locate the source and contain it.

Once readings were back to a safe level, residents were allowed back inside the apartments.

What we don’t know:

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It remains unclear how many residents were displaced by the evacuation. 

The Source: The details in this article come from the Atlanta Fire Rescue.

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Atlanta, GA

2 arrested in deadly drive-by shooting of 7-year-old Atlanta girl, police say

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2 arrested in deadly drive-by shooting of 7-year-old Atlanta girl, police say


Two suspects in a shooting that left a 7-year-old Atlanta girl dead and her mother injured are now in custody nearly a week after the violence, police say.

The shooting happened around 9:45 p.m. on Feb. 24 at a home on the 2200 block of Tiger Flowers Drive NW.

Investigators believe the shooting stemmed from a dispute between one of the victim’s family members and the gunman over the phone. Thirty minutes after the argument, the suspect came back and fired shots into the home, police said.

Officers responding to the scene found a 44-year-old woman and her daughter, identified as 7-year-old Zoe Price, shot. Medics rushed the pair to a local hospital, but Price died from her injuries.

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Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said the department’s homicide unit secured an arrest warrant for 19-year-old Preston Smith two days after the shooting. Smith turned himself in to the Fulton County Jail on March 2.

Schierbaum said officers executed a search warrant on Feb. 27 at a home on McDaniel Street. On that day, 17-year-old Steven Richardson, who police described as an “accomplice,” turned himself in to authorities.

Both men are charged with murder, criminal attempt to commit murder, three counts of aggravated assault, second-degree criminal damage to property, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and four counts of third-degree cruelty to children. Richardson is also charged with possession of a Firearm by a Person Under 18.

At a press conference to announce the arrests, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens described Price as a bright and compassionate little girl who was “full of energy and full of joy.”

“Her life was cut short in an act of senseless violence, and that loss is not abstract. It is a chair that is going to be missing at the dinner table each night. It is an empty classroom seat next to her friends,” Dickens said.

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The mayor called the arrests “a step forward towards justice” for Price’s family and families across the city.

Dickens said that violence, like the act that took Price’s life, would not be tolerated in Atlanta.



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Atlanta Braves News: Top 30 Prospects, Starting Pitching Depth, More

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Atlanta Braves News: Top 30 Prospects, Starting Pitching Depth, More


On Monday, the Braves were able to earn another Spring Training victory over the Detroit Tigers. It was a game where the starting pitching depth of the Braves was on full display, as Bryce Elder, Joey Wentz, and Owen Murphy all threw multiple innings. While it is likely unwise to expect big things from any of these three arms this season, they are a part of the “next man up” group for the Braves if injury again impacts the rotation. Each had a solid effort today, a trend that will hopefully continue.



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