Fansided

2019 NBA Mock Draft: When simulating the lottery gets wonky

By Brendon Kleen

METAIRIE, LA - MARCH 14: David Griffin, Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations for the New Orleans Pelicans, talks to the media during an introductory press conference on April 17, 2019 at Ochsner Sports Performance Center in Metairie, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)
METAIRIE, LA - MARCH 14: David Griffin, Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations for the New Orleans Pelicans, talks to the media during an introductory press conference on April 17, 2019 at Ochsner Sports Performance Center in Metairie, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – JANUARY 05: De’Andre Hunter #12 of the Virginia Cavaliers dribbles in the second half during a game against the Florida State Seminoles at John Paul Jones Arena on January 5, 2019 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – JANUARY 05: De’Andre Hunter #12 of the Virginia Cavaliers dribbles in the second half during a game against the Florida State Seminoles at John Paul Jones Arena on January 5, 2019 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /

Virginia. De'Andre Hunter. 7. player. 125. . F

Read what Hunter’s brother, Aaron, said about De’Andre’s game after the national championship game last month:

"“People have questioned if he has the goals and if he has the drive. It’s in him. He’s got it. It’s in there. I call him the silent assassin … All the sudden you look up and he’s got 27 points. He’s not the most boisterous, so people don’t get to see this side of him. But once he gets going, I don’t think there’s anyone that can stop him.”"

It’s rare to get such honesty out of someone close to a successful athlete, but Aaron, by our observation, nails it on the head. Hunter is slow, methodical, tactical. He doesn’t jump out as an athletic specimen or a precognitive playmaker who reads things seconds before they happen. He reacts, responds and attacks. He takes what’s given and makes the most of it.

Hunter told The Athletic:

"“That’s how I’ve been all my life. I’m not a very emotional guy. I feel like I’ve gotten more emotional since I’ve gotten here, but I guess not. I’m really passionate about the game, but I’m just not a screamer, not a yeller. “I just play my game and dominate. If you notice, you notice. If you don’t, you don’t.”"

This is what the Hawks have focused on and will continue to covet. Their general manager, Travis Schlenk, hails from Golden State, where high-IQ players and team players came together to form a surprise dynasty. The Warriors can shoot the lights out and lock down on defense, but more than anything they buy in and read each other when they need to.

Hunter would help bring that ethos to Atlanta at a position of need.

Check out our full scouting report on De’Andre Hunter.

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