The Memphis Grizzlies continue to lose close games and the odds of keeping their pick in this year’s NBA Draft increase. They need to target De’Andre Hunter out of the University of Virginia no matter where they are picking.
The Memphis Grizzlies need players who can contribute right away while also having the potential to become a very good player in the future. De’Andre Hunter is a versatile forward who can make plays on both ends of the floor and should fit in well with what Memphis is trying to build going forward.
After coming off the bench his freshman season he has taken off in his first year as a starter. He was a very important part of the team last season as we all saw what happened to Virginia in the NCAA Tournament when they became the first top seed ever to lose to a 16 seed after Hunter got injured.
Through his first 29 games of this season, he is averaging 15.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. His numbers don’t jump off the chart but you also have to take into account the team he is playing for.
Virginia is a team that prides themselves on the defensive end and isn’t typically going to try and outscore you, though they have been lethal at the offensive end of the floor at times. They have talented guards in Kyle Guy and Ty Jerome but Hunter is the guy who makes this team special and a national title contender.
The biggest change in Hunter’s game is his improved three-point shot. He made 38% his freshman season which is very respectable but he is now up to 49% from beyond the arc this season. His ability to improve in that area shows that he should be able to develop into a good three-point shooter in the NBA.
One of his best games of the season was in a win against Louisville in which he finished with 26 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 blocked shot. He was 9-11 from the field in that game including 2-2 from three-point range.
He has been very consistent with his play this season as he has scored double figures in their past 16 games. One reason for that is he has been very efficient with his shooting as his worst shooting game during that stretch is a 4-10 game in a road win over the Clemson Tigers.
One reason he is able to be so efficient shooting the ball is that his shot attempts aren’t extremely high. He averages just 9.9 shot attempts per game. So when you draft him you shouldn’t expect him to suddenly fill up the stat sheet but the Grizzlies have a young star in Jaren Jackson Jr. who will get those shots which will help Hunter come in and just play his role.
Some may question whether a player like that is worth being selected in the top half of the lottery. That is a very legitimate question and I’m sure many general managers and front offices will opt to select a player with more potential. That is something I’m sure the Grizzlies have thought about and they will continue to think about as long as they end up keeping their draft pick.
In a relatively weak draft, you want to get the player you trust to make an impact and will have a long-term career. Who knows how Hunter will fit in the Grizzlies front line that features Kyle Anderson, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Jonas Valanciunas. Those players have established themselves as potential building blocks going forward.
De’Andre Hunter is just 21 years old and the Grizzlies will continue to build their roster over the next couple of years. It’s hard to say for sure at the moment but Hunter would likely earn a spot in the starting lineup much sooner than fans may anticipate. He is going to be a very good pro and hopefully, that is in Memphis rather than somewhere else.