The Cleveland Cavaliers made a huge move when they traded for De’Andre Hunter last season.
They needed a 3-and-D wing who could guard opposing forwards while also being able to knock down some shots.
The team looked much better upon his arrival, and head coach Kenny Atkinson used him in the starting lineup and the closing group multiple times.
Nevertheless, as good as he was, Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com doesn’t think Hunter should be a starter next season.
“So there’s just a lot of different things that Kenny can continue to explore with De’Andre in that role if he was in the starting lineup. There’s just not enough shots to go around. There’s not enough touches to go around. So I just don’t know that based on the construction of this roster that De’Andre Hunter being in the starting lineup is the best thing for De’Andre. And I don’t know that it’s the best thing for the Cavs. I think him coming off the bench is a better fit for this team,” Fedor said.
Hunter played at the 2, the 3 and the 4 with Cleveland, and played well more often than not.
Then again, Fedor might be right about Hunter’s role in the offense.
The Cavs have more than enough shot-making in their starting lineup with Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley.
Of course, Hunter’s elite and versatile defense could also come in handy, but that unit held its own well enough even before he arrived.
Hunter could have his fair share of wide-open looks with Lonzo Ball running the point and pulling the strings of the offense on the second unit.
Having Hunter catch an offensive rhythm could be vital in the closing moments, so even if he’s not a starter, he will most likely be on the court in crunch time and play heavy minutes.
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