NBA: Grading all 30 teams at the 2019 All-Star break

Atlanta Hawks (19-39)

Through the first three quarters of the season, I don’t think anyone would be surprised with how the Atlanta Hawks have performed this season. Before the season started, no one expected the Hawks to compete for a playoff spot in the East. Even though it is clearly the weaker conference, the Hawks simply don’t have the talent to perform at that level yet. And that’s OK.

But the great thing that the Hawks did do this season is find a few players that will help in their rebuild. Trae Young is a player. As is John Collins. I’m sure both of those were assumed coming into the season. However, one player that was a pleasant surprise for Atlanta this season was Kevin Huerter.

Huerter, a late first-round pick by the Hawks in the 2018 NBA Draft, is averaging 10 points, three rebounds and three assists on 43 percent shooting from the field and 40 percent shooting from 3-point range during his rookie season. Atlanta coming away with three building blocks, with another to come with an expected top 5 pick in the 2019 draft, is a huge victory.

Grade: C+