The Cleveland Cavaliers lead the Eastern Conference at 41-10. Head coach Kenny Atkinson has revolutionized the way the team plays.
Cleveland is leading the NBA in three-point percentage and is second in field goal percentage. They’re eighth in defensive rating, proving they have significant balance throughout the roster.
However, Cleveland’s front office felt that another high-level wing defender was necessary. On Thursday, the Cavaliers acquired De’Andre Hunter from the Atlanta Hawks.
Hunter is a talented two-way wing. He thrives as a movement shooter who can score off the catch or the bounce. The 27-year-old is also a versatile defender with a solid track record when guarding forwards or bigs.
The Cavaliers have tightened up their defense by adding Hunter to the roster. They’re now well-equipped to deal with teams built around elite wing play, such as the Boston Celtics or New York Knicks. A potential matchup with the Knicks, who have two elite wing defenders in OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges, is intriguing.
De’Andre Hunter may not be an All-Star, but he possesses the skills to position the Cavaliers as a true contender in the Eastern Conference. He’s more than just a defender, and he will give Donovan Mitchell another reliable scoring option when defenses collapse on him.
Hunter is averaging 19 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists this season. He’s shooting 46.1% from the field and 39.3% from deep. Assuming Hunter slots straight into Cleveland’s starting lineup, the team has one of the most versatile starting units in the NBA. They have size, shooting, playmaking and floor spacing at almost every position.
Atkinson has gotten the most out of his new team, and the front office has rewarded him by plugging the one gap in the roster. Cavaliers fans can look ahead to this postseason and the next, knowing their team will be in a dogfight to make the NBA Finals.