Once again, nothing changes here. De’Andre Hunter had an underwhelming rookie season, but he’s still the best pick for the Hawks at this spot.
Trae Young has developed into a franchise point guard already after just two years in the league, and Kevin Huerter is a legitimate backcourt partner for him, so there’s no need to take a guy like Coby White with this pick.
Young and Huerter have all the offensive upside in the world but will struggle to guard opposing teams’ perimeter guys as their careers continue. That’s why Hunter is the best fit here.
Hunter is one of the best perimeter defenders in this draft, and he’s big enough to defend some smaller post guys as well. He won’t ever be an offensive superstar, but he doesn’t need to be. If he can shoot the three-ball efficiently and find the open cutting lanes, he’ll have a nice role on this Hawks team going forward.
Original pick: 4