The Cleveland Cavaliers made a big move at the trade deadline.
They didn’t acquire Zach LaVine, Luka Doncic, or any of the big-name players that were on the move.
However, the player they got might end up being as impactful as anybody else.
At least, that’s how Booby Gibson feels.
Talking on “Full Court Cleveland,” the former NBA player raved about the toughness and defensive prowess that De’Andre Hunter will give Kenny Atkinson’s team:
“Something I think that we needed is that toughness and that length on the perimeter, on the wing,” he said.
Booby is very happy with the Hunter trade and what he's bringing to the table in the second half.
"Something I think that we needed is that toughness and that length on the perimeter, on the wing"
–@BooBysWorld1 #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/ZmuU5vV6T2
— Full Court Cleveland (@FullCourtCLE) February 18, 2025
Hunter isn’t a high-maintenance player.
He doesn’t need to have the ball in his hands to make an impact.
He can score from all three levels, and he’s a willing and intelligent passer and cutter.
More than that, his blend of length and athleticism and great defensive instincts will make him a major contributor to this team.
The Cavs lacked someone to match up and stay in front of players like Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown.
They had even struggled to contain Hunter and other Hawks like Zaccharie Risacher or Jalen Johnson.
As good as the Cavs had been this season, they didn’t have a big, defensive-oriented wing.
Dean Wade has always been a very good defender, and he’s a much more athletic player than people think, but he’s also constantly hurt.
Granted, that’s also a concern with Hunter, who has been on the shelf multiple times during his young NBA career.
But if he manages to stay on the court, he might be the X-factor the best team in the NBA needed this season.
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