12 De'Andre Hunter SF

Hunter had 15 points (5-8 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 3-4 FT), two rebounds, and two assists in 25 minutes during Wednesday's 100-96 win over the Knicks.

Hunter was efficient offensively but didn't do much else besides score in this one. His reputation as a solid defender is one that he earned based on his play in college. However, he wasn't known for accumulating a bunch of steals or blocks, but instead for his positional defense and ability to cover multiple positions.

Hunter is not starting Wednesday's preseason game against the Magic, Kevin Chouinard of the Hawks' official site reports.

Hunter will head to the bench for Wednesday's exhibition after starting in Monday's preseason opener and tallying 10 points, two assists and two rebounds in 25 minutes.

Hunter compiled 10 points (4-6 FG, 2-4 3Pt), two rebounds, two assists and one steal across 25 minutes during the Hawks' 133-109 preseason loss to the Pelicans on Monday.

The 2019 fourth overall pick is already drawing rave reviews in camp from coach Lloyd Pierce, and Monday's performance offered a glimpse of the reasons for some of the praise. Hunter's efficient offensive night wasn't surprising, considering he shot 48.8 percent and 52.0 percent, respectively, over two college seasons at Virginia. Hunter has a chance to secure the starting small forward role during the exhibition slate, and he got off to an impressive start in that regard Monday.

Coach Lloyd Pierce spoke highly of Hunter at Tuesday's practice, KL Chouinard of Hawks.com reports. "We're going to love DeAndre," Pierce said. "That's all I can say. We're going to love DeAndre."

Pierce didn't stop there, as he went on to praise Hunter's work ethic and humble nature. "He knows all five spots already," Pierce said. "Defensively, he is about as solid as they come. He makes open shots. He can actually put it on the floor. I have a ton of respect for that kid already." It's still early, but Pierce's comments are certainly encouraging and could imply that Hunter will step into a fairly significant role -- potentially the starting small forward spot -- from Day 1.

Hunter (sore knee) will not play in Friday's summer league finale, Brad Rowland of Locked on Hawks reports.

Hunter only played in one summer league game, as the Hawks understandably exercised caution with their No. 4 overall pick and his sore knee. There is nothing to indicate he will not be ready to go full-steam once training camp commences.

Hunter won't play in Tuesday's summer league game against the Pacers due to knee soreness, Brad Rowland of SportsLine reports.

Hunter is likely being held out as a precaution, as there's no need to push him to play in an exhibition. He figures to have a chance to take the court Thursday against the Wizards.

Hunter was selected by Hawks with the No. 4 pick in the NBA Draft via the Lakers and Pelicans.

Hunter is arguably the most versatile defensive player in the draft. He projects as a 3-and-D forward who can be relied upon as a spot-up shooter and defend multiple positions. It seems likely that he will enter the Hawks' starting lineup right away and expand their young core of Trae Young and John Collins as well as Kevin Huerter to a degree. The Virginia product averaged averaged 15.2 points (52.0% FG, 43.8 3PT%, 78.3 FT%) and 5.1 rebounds across 32.5 minutes for the Cavaliers en route to helping lead them to a National Championship.