De’Andre Hunter: The Atlanta Hawks’ Versatile Shooting Dynamo
De’Andre Hunter, the Atlanta Hawks’ rookie wing, made waves with his impressive shooting skills. However, there’s more to his game than meets the eye. Beyond his shooting prowess, Hunter’s versatile style of play makes him an intriguing player for the Hawks.
The Potential Acquisition of Pascal Siakam:
According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the Atlanta Hawks have emerged as the leading contender to acquire Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors. In their offer, the Hawks have proposed a package centered around De’Andre Hunter, AJ Griffin, and future draft assets. While adding Siakam would undoubtedly make the Hawks a stronger team, it’s important to recognize the value that Griffin brings to the table, regardless of the trade outcome.
Griffin’s Rookie Season and Shooting Skills:
During his debut season, Griffin showcased impressive statistics, averaging 8.9 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.0 assist per game. His shooting percentages were equally impressive, with 53.6 percent on two-pointers, 39 percent from beyond the arc, and 89.4 percent at the free-throw line. Although he faced a decrease in playing time and production under head coach Quin Snyder, Griffin has the potential to become a vital part of the Hawks’ roster in both the short and long term.
Griffin’s Multifaceted Shooting Abilities:
Griffin’s ability to shoot from beyond the arc is at the core of his appeal. He was a highly regarded shooter throughout his youth career and continued to excel in the NBA. Notably, his proficiency in scoring off the catch sets him apart, as he excels in making quick and accurate decisions against closeouts. His footwork off screens amplifies his fluid shooting form, making him a dynamic threat in various offensive scenarios.
Versatility and Off-Ball Scoring:
One of Griffin’s strengths lies in his ability to generate scoring opportunities without necessarily being the primary focus of a play. His off-ball movement and court awareness enable him to exploit slight pockets of space, creating routine scoring chances. Playing alongside a dynamic creator like Trae Young, Griffin’s scoring profile complements the team’s offense harmoniously. It allows Young to remain the primary ball handler while Griffin’s off-ball skills add depth to the team’s scoring options.
Expanding Offensive Potential:
While Griffin has already displayed extended off-the-dribble scoring capabilities, there is room for growth in terms of shot selection and playmaking. By improving his shot distribution and converting more attempts at the rim, Griffin can enhance his overall scoring efficiency. Additionally, honing his passing skills will enable him to take advantage of opportunities when defenses focus excessively on his shooting, elevating his potential as a well-rounded contributor.
A Valuable Asset for the Hawks:
With Griffin’s shooting proficiency, versatile off-ball scoring, and potential for growth in playmaking, he is a highly enticing player for the Atlanta Hawks. Together with fellow young talents like Onyeka Okongwu and Jalen Johnson, Griffin has the ability to elevate the team’s core composed of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. As the Hawks consider their options in the trade market, Griffin’s potential remains promising regardless of the outcome.
De’Andre Hunter’s rookie season provided a glimpse into his vast potential as a versatile shooter and off-ball scorer for the Atlanta Hawks. While the team may explore trade options, Griffin’s unique skill set should not be disregarded. His shooting prowess, coupled with his ability to complement star players like Trae Young, makes him an essential piece of the Hawks’ present and future offensive success. As he continues to develop his game, the possibilities for Griffin’s impact on the team are boundless.
The post “De’Andre Hunter: The Atlanta Hawks’ Versatile Shooting Dynamo” was published with full copyrights permissions obtained from the Sports Today magazine.