2019 NBA Mock Draft: Is R.J. Barrett right for the Knicks?
. F. Virginia. De'Andre Hunter. 8. player. 18
While it’s not great to hear young players already struggling with assertiveness — imposing their will on the game — it’s clear Hunter derives his energy from great defensive plays. The offense is a work in progress.
“In the past two games, I have been kind of passive and kind of letting the game come to me, and I just tried to be more assertive this game,” Hunter said after a victory over William and Mary on Dec. 28. Indeed, his production stalled recently once again, combining for just 17 points in the past two games. Play through those lumps now, big fella. NBA teams are ready for what you bring.
Hunter is a keen basketball player, especially for a forward. He can make plays in the middle of a zone defense, navigate various screen-and-roll situations and plays instinctive help defense in Virginia’s aggressive scheme. “We’re trying to find a chance to get him the ball in those situations whether man-to-man or zone,” Virginia coach Tony Bennett said after the Dec. 28 victory. “Obviously, he has continued to improve and he played well today.”
Boston has long been the very best at finding and developing young wing talent but as they face the prospect of losing Marcus Morris and building an Anthony Davis trade, reality is likely setting in that some of these guys aren’t as good as we thought. Semi Ojeleye and Guerschon Yabusele just aren’t ready for big minutes in do-or-die playoff moments. Snapping up Hunter, a legitimate 3-and-D weapon who plays intelligently and has size to play big man positions, would be a boon as Boston continues to make good on years of savvy trades under general manager Danny Ainge.