NBA: 3 Sleeper breakout star candidates heading into 2023-24

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 18: De'Andre Hunter #12 of the Atlanta Hawks dribbles down court during the second quarter of Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs between the Boston Celtics and the Atlanta Hawks at TD Garden on April 18, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

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Atlanta Hawks De’Andre Hunter (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

De’Andre Hunter, Atlanta Hawks

De’Andre Hunter has been primed to break out for a few years now, this year feels like the one it will finally happen.

Hunter has almost seemed like a forgotten top-four draft pick. With a quiet personality, he’s silently been a great 3-and-D wing for years, but I know there’s more in him than just that. De’Andre has had moments where he’s flashed high-level scoring ability, like in the 2022 playoffs vs the Miami Heat where he averaged 21 PPG.

It appears like Hunter has never had the full opportunity to become that true All-Star guy with the Hawks, and last year with Dejounte Murray, he had a lot to adapt to. With Trae Young potentially spending more time off the ball, Hunter could fill that extra time on it. Statistically, De’Andre had his best overall year even with all the Hawks’ chaos, which says a lot.

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De’Andre Hunter is a talented player no doubt about it and throughout his career, he’s shown impressive flashes. With the right opportunity and the right mentality from Hunter, he can finally burst out of his shell into an All-Star this season. This year just feels like De’Andre Hunter’s time.