The De’Andre Hunter era got off to a dream-like start for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Kenny Atkinson’s team took the court by storm, going on a 16-0 run to start the game.
The Minnesota Timberwolves never knew what hit them, and they weren’t able to dig their way back from that hole for the remainder of the game.
That’s why it wasn’t much of a surprise to hear coach Atkinson rave about Hunter.
When asked about his debut, the Cavs’ head coach claimed that it was ‘almost perfect’ (via Evan Dammarell).
#Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson described De’Andre Hunter’s Clevleand debut as “almost perfect” with how Hunter performed on either end of the floor.
— Evan Dammarell (@AmNotEvan) February 11, 2025
The Timberwolves finished the first quarter with a grand total of two made buckets and 12 points.
Hunter’s length and athleticism give this team a versatile and switchable 3-and-D guy who can hold his ground against the likes of Jaylen Brown or Jayson Tatum.
He has a quick release and a high release point, and with his 6-foot-8 frame, he can pull up and shoot over most defenders in the game.
The Cavs already had the best team in the league this season, so adding a former No. 4 pick in his physical prime might put this team over the top.
Then again, you can’t take any chances when you’re in this kind of position.
The Cavs will enter the All-Star break more than 30 games above .500, which is something just a handful of teams in NBA history can brag about.
This team was already scary good, and now that they’ve addressed perhaps their only glaring need, the rest of the league will have nightmares with Kenny Atkinson’s team.
NEXT: Kenny Atkinson Gives Injury Updates On Isaac Okoro And Dean Wade
