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Before facing the Knicks at Madison Square Garden on January 20, Hawks forward De’Andre Hunter sat down with HoopsHype to discuss his career season coming off the bench, his Sixth Man of the Year candidacy, how coach Quin Snyder has unlocked his potential, Atlanta’s young core going forward, Trae Young’s growth, and more.
How did you find your way into a 3-and-D role and come into the draft with that label?
Hunter: It’s a label. It’s not who you are as a player. You get labeled by the media or another person to be this, but I know who I am as a player. I know I play defense and can score.
What’s led to your career season while coming off the bench in a new role?
Hunter: I think we’re playing a lot differently this year. We’re definitely moving the ball a lot more. We’re getting out in transition a lot more. As far as my role, coming off the bench has been a different role. I think I’m looked at as the playmaker or scorer in that second unit. That’s the expectation. I think I can score pretty well, so it’s not too hard for me.
How has the team’s dynamic changed after trading Dejounte Murray for Dyson Daniels in addition to the young core pieces already here?
Hunter: I think you see a lot of growth, especially with guys like Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels, who came from New Orleans, where he didn’t play too much. You can see what kind of defensive player he is. JJ (Johnson) has grown into being a star himself. If we continue to progress and get better, the sky will be the limit for us. I think we can compete with anyone right now this year. Hopefully, we can keep the guys together and continue to get better.
How would you describe playing for coach Quin Snyder?
Hunter: Quin has a lot of energy, but I call it good energy because he’s motivating, helping, and guiding us to do the right things. He’s probably one of my favorite coaches I’ve played for. I’ve got nothing but love for Q.
Is there anything Quin Snyder has done that’s impacted your game?
Hunter: Quin really believes in me. As a player, when you can sense that a coach believes in you, it does a lot for your confidence. He always talks to me. He tells me to shoot more even when I think I’ve shot a lot. Hearing things like that really makes it a lot easier to go out there and play my game.
What are your thoughts on your candidacy for Sixth Man of the Year?
Hunter: Honestly, I don’t really care about it. If I win the award, I win it. If I don’t, nothing is going to change in my life. It would be an honor if I get the award to get recognized by the NBA, but if we win as a team and I don’t win the award, that would be better for me.
What evolution in Trae Young’s game have you seen as his teammate?
Hunter: Trae is older. When you become older, you mature more mentally and physically. I think you’re seeing that in his game. I think it’s slowed down for him a little bit. He’s always been a great passer, but knowing where guys will be and having years together where you have chemistry allows you to be better yourself and make better decisions. I think that’s what we’re seeing. He’s always been, in my opinion, a fantastic passer and scorer. I think he’s just taking it to another level this year, especially with his passing.
Do you think Trae Young’s passing gets overlooked because he can score 30 points?
Hunter: I think all people really care about is scoring anyway. Fans, analysts, those people, that’s what they focus on. He averages almost 12 assists. I think that’s crazy and should be talked about more, especially coming from a guy who can score 30 or 40 any night. I think we need to grow more of an appreciation for the overall game instead of just focusing on just one aspect of it.
