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NBA Power Rankings: Tiering all 30 projected starting small forwards for 2023-24

By Michael Saenz

Phoenix Suns Kevin Durant (Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports)
Phoenix Suns Kevin Durant (Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports) /
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ATLANTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 23: De’Andre Hunter #12 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after hitting a three-point basket against the Boston Celtics during the first quarter of Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at State Farm Arena on April 23, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 23: De’Andre Hunter #12 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after hitting a three-point basket against the Boston Celtics during the first quarter of Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at State Farm Arena on April 23, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

16. De’Andre Hunter, Atlanta Hawks

As the Atlanta Hawks continue to retool their roster, De’Andre Hunter appears to be a player who is going to be a key cog for the future. Hunter is likely going to play a bigger role for the team this season, especially with the departure of John Collins. At just 25 years old, there’s hope that he could continue to be a fringe star next to Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. Hunter averaged 15 points and four rebounds per game on 46 percent shooting from the field and 35 percent shooting from 3-point range.

He may not have the ceiling that some other young players on this list have but there is still clear value in him as a player. Where it truly gets a bit blurry is when it comes to his contract. Hunter is due to make $20-plus million per year in each of the next four seasons. In order for his contract to hold value, the Hawks need Hunter to take another step in his progression. That’s kind of what they bet on when they signed him to this extension.

The good news is that there’s a good chance that Hunter is able to do that.

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