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Kings’ F Hunter Bouncing Back for Short-Handed Squad
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- Kings’ F Hunter Bouncing Back for Short-Handed Squad
(Petre Thomas/Imagn Images)
De'Andre Hunter has impressed in the past three games, bouncing back from extended poor outings for a short-handed Sacramento Kings .
Hunter is averaging 22.3 points on 44% from three, living up to the two-way archetype Sacramento traded for in February. The attention rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr. draws every possession has created wide-open looks for the two-way wing.
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He's knocked down quick-trigger threes and cut into open gaps for high-quality layups. Hunter scored 24 points in back-to-back losses to the San Antonio Spurs and New Orleans Pelicans , and almost continued his 20-point streak against the Memphis Grizzlies , finishing one point shy on Saturday.
His resurgence is a promising sign for a Kings frontcourt riddled with injuries . Keegan Murray (left ankle), Maxime Raynaud (right knee) and Dylan Cardwell (left calf) will miss at least the next week until their reevaluations.
Their absences opened more opportunities for the 28-year-old, and he's thriving. Hunter is shooting 14.6 shots in his previous three outings, 9.3 more attempts than the first three games.
Sacramento is getting an extended look at what a healthy 6-foot-7 forward brings to the team . He's in the final year of his 2022 rookie-scale extension, and his performance in a contract year will determine his future with the organization.
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Contending teams could see value in adding a bona fide two-way wing on an expiring deal. Hunter's archetype is highly coveted, as with the New York Knicks with OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges in their starting lineup.
The Kings are 0-6 for the first time since 1990-91. Losing teams often operate as sellers at the trade deadline, stocking up on picks to rebuild through the draft.
On the flip side, general manager Scott Perry could bypass the salary cap to re-sign Hunter since the team has his bird rights.
He's shown great chemistry with Acuff in a small sample size. It's a relationship Perry can continue to nourish, as the rookie is an offensive engine that needs to be surrounded by defense and floor spacing.
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The 19-year-old dished out a career-high 14 assists against the Pelicans on Thursday, and Hunter accounted for four of them.
Hunter's poor preseason and start to the season jeopardized his position in the starting lineup. Precious Achiuwa's high energy and rebounding built a strong case for him to start, as he was consistent from the preseason to the regular season.
Now, his confidence is growing with every game, and it's exactly what the Kings need to turn the corner eventually.
