De’Andre Hunter started on a regular basis during his first five seasons in the league with the Hawks. In 64 combined games with Atlanta and the Cavaliers last season, he started just nine games in 64 games.
Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor argues that Cleveland should keep Hunter in a reserve role (subscription required). He notes that with Ty Jerome signing with Memphis, the Cavaliers need another high-scoring sixth man. Hunter is the most logical candidate — he averaged 17 points in 27.2 minutes per game last season.
Hunter is probably more talented than Max Strus, the other candidate to start at small forward, but Hunter is not the best stylistic fit with the starting five, Fedor opines. The Cavs beat writer also points out that Hunter is comfortable coming off the bench, as he receives more freedom and has an expanded offensive role.
Here’s more from the Central Division:
- In his second season as the Pistons’ president of basketball operations, Trajan Langdon has continued to make personnel decisions with the desire to keep his options open for future moves, Pistons.com’s Keith Langlois writes. Langdon added Duncan Robinson and Caris LeVert to fortify his bench without sacrificing future flexibility and it’s likely that he’ll only reach rookie scale extensions agreements with Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren before the October deadline if the contract numbers match their on-court contributions.
- By all accounts, Matas Buzelis wants to be a special player and is doing what is necessary to reach that status, according to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun Times writes. With contract issues surrounding Coby White and Josh Giddey, the second-year Bulls forward has become the most important player on the roster. After averaging 22.5 points and five rebounds in two Summer League contests, Buzelis has been busy in the weight room and on the court, looking to expand his game.
- Former Magic guard Cole Anthony spoke about his excitement to join the Bucks. Get the details here.