Positionless basketball is the new trend in the NBA.
Most teams are shifting towards that approach, and the Cleveland Cavaliers aren’t the exception to that rule.
Adding a player like De’Andre Hunter provides them with enormous flexibility.
That’s why even coach Kenny Atkinson isn’t 100% certain about how he’s going to use it.
When asked about that, ESPN insider Brian Windhorst envisioned different scenarios for him.
On ESPN Cleveland’s “The Really Big Show,” the renowned insider predicted that the Cavs would use him at both forward spots.
"I see him as a guy who can play both forward positions," – @WindhorstESPN on De'Andre Hunter's fit with the Cavs. pic.twitter.com/A8ULWwoypF
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) February 11, 2025
However, he also sees a scenario in which they decide to deploy a jumbo lineup with Hunter at shooting guard and Dean Wade right by his side at small forward.
Hunter is quick and athletic enough to go over screens and stay in front of smaller and quicker defenders.
He’s also long and strong enough to hold his ground against most small and power forwards, and he might even be able to slow down some big men.
He can be the team’s small-ball four or five, depending on the setting.
He can perfectly slide next to Evan Mobley if the team decides to go small or roll with an all-shooter’s lineup.
While he’s not the best player on the team, he gives them the ultimate Swiss army knife piece to move around as needed.
Coach Atkinson and his staff will have to hit the drawing board and get creative with the new addition they got at the trade deadline.
NEXT: Kenny Atkinson Used 2 Words To Describe De'Andre Hunter's Debut
