Hawks add shooting with Huerter and Spellman

[Jamaaliver]

This might be the ultimate approach Huerter needs to take to reach his full potential.

Particularly if we get one of the top SG/SFs in next year's draft.

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[Jamaaliver]

A deep dive by the criminally underrated Graham Chapple.

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“Kevin has great size for a wing at 6’7,” said Schlenk of Huerter on draft night. “He has a really, really good shooting stroke. He shot 42 percent from three this season...”

While Huerter didn’t lead his team in scoring, he provided a huge spark for the Terrapins as he averaged 14 points per game while also grabbing five rebounds and dishing out three assists in 34 minutes per game — his 41 percent shooting from three-point range drawing the most attention.

Though Huerter sometimes has to rely on others to help create space/separation for him for his three-point shots, he is certainly able to create for himself on drives, something else that Lloyd Pierce, on his first day when Huerter was working out for the Hawks pre-draft, also noticed.

...Huerter is more than a shooter on the offensive end. He moves well off of the ball to get in position to attack (be it for a cutting layup or to get into position to shoot), he has nice, long strides and a decent burst to quickly get inside. He has a solid frame that can create space for himself at times, he can punish switches on drives, he has touch on floaters/runners and can also whip out some nifty spin moves — which can work well in combination with good his footwork. All of these add up to a player who can work well inside as well as outside.

It was a great shame that everyone was deprived of the opportunity to see Kevin Huerter in action in Utah and Las Vegas but, with a better idea now of who he is on the court, I think the excitement and anticipation for his debut with the Hawks should only increase as we get closer to tip-off in October.

Kevin Huerter...more than just a shooter.

[Jamaaliver]

Five 2018 NBA Draft Picks That Will Be Interesting To Watch In The G League Next Year

Omari Spellman - Atlanta Hawks (30th overall pick)

After a strong freshman season where he helped lead Villanova to a national title, Omari Spellman left the comforts of a Jay Wright-led team to join the NBA Draft. Although that looked like a risky move, it ended up working out as he sneaked into the 1st round by getting selected 30th overall by Atlanta.

Due to their lack of depth in the front-court, Spellman might actually get a chance to get serious playing time from the jump as he stands alongside John Collins as the team’s lone power forwards. However, that situation can change if the Hawks decide to snag some veterans in free agency.

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In the likelihood that he does play in the G League, Spellman will be an interesting player for the Erie BayHawks. The 6’9 forward shines as a very versatile offensive threat as he can fight inside for rebounds while shooting 43% from 3 on 3.7 attempts per game. In a league that can be lacking in front-court talent, a player with those skills could look like an All-Star.

Ridiculous Upside -- June 2018

[Jamaaliver]

It's nice to know NBA heads around the league haven't forgotten about the 'Ginger Sniper' the Sienna Thriller ol' Carrot Top as one of the top young players at his position this draft class.

Ranking NBA's Top 5 Rookie Shooting Guards Entering 2018-19

3. Kevin Huerter, Atlanta Hawks



Kevin Huerter has a chance to continue building momentum in Atlanta after surprising at the NBA combine and cracking the draft's top 20. He will have every opportunity to play through mistakes as a rookie, particularly if management can trade Kent Bazemore.

With 6'7" size, Huerter possesses the handle and enough playmaking ability (3.4 assists at Maryland) to work as a 2-guard. He'll surprise with shot creation. And last season, he flashed potential as a pick-and-roll ball-handler (17-of-32 FGM-A) while converting 14-of-20 possessions out of isolation.

But Huerter's shooting will always drive his value. He shot 41.7 percent from three as a sophomore, demonstrating a convincing, effortless release and the ability to shoot off screens and dribbles with balance and fluidity. It shouldn't take long for Huerter to adjust to the NBA's arc based on his accuracy, range and stroke.

Tyler Dorsey could steal minutes earlier in the season, but it's clear who's the priority in the Hawks' backcourt. Atlanta should want Huerter and Trae Young to quickly start building chemistry during a season where there are no expectations to win games.

Bleacher Report

[Jamaaliver]

Goals for Omari Spellman in 2018-19

Spellman will be able to contribute to the Hawks on both sides of the floor if given the chance. The 6-foot-9 forward’s game is similar to Draymond Green. In comparison to Green, the Hawks new forward has the ability to score on all three levels of the floor and can also play defense.

The big man can run the floor, finish at the rim, defend and shoot the three. In addition to his scoring, he has the potential to play solid defense.

Two things that the former Villanova forward needs to improve on is his post-up game and ability to run the pick & roll.

However, the 2018 Big East Rookie of the Year needs to accomplish two goals in order to capitalize on his rookie year.

1. Solidify 7th or 8th slot in the Rotation
2. Improve Mobility

Currently, there is one red flag that may hinder or affect Spellman’s transition to the NBA. Often times in his collegiate career, the young forward struggled with his mobility. At times Spellman struggles to effectively serve as a roll man in the pick & roll.

In order to be effective in Atlanta, Spellman needs to work on his lateral movement to help improve his one-on-one defense as well. Even though the rookie looked great in his summer debut, there were times where he seemed a bit sluggish.

Soaring Down South

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[Jamaaliver]

Ranking NBA's Top 5 Rookie Power Forwards Entering 2018-19

5. Omari Spellman, Atlanta Hawks




From unexpected early entrant to 2018 first-rounder, Omari Spellman is in position to surprise again—this time by cracking the Atlanta Hawks' rotation as a rookie.

He only played one season at Villanova after redshirting in 2016-17. But Spellman ultimately checked the right boxes for a big in today's NBA, having shot 43.3 percent from three and averaged 1.5 blocks in 28.1 minutes.

Listed at 6'9", 253 pounds with a 7'2" wingspan, Spellman could even spend time at center, but his ability to stretch the floor and potentially guard in space should also work from the 4, where he'll have more opportunities to log minutes behind John Collins.

For 2018-19, Spellman's main draw will be his shooting, having ranked in the 99th percentile out of spot-ups and 94th percentile on jump shots in college. He has a confident, convincing release (35 made contested jumpers to 24 made uncontested). But in summer league, he also flashed more wiggle off the dribble in terms of attacking closeouts and making plays on the move.

Atlanta's coaching staff will emphasize improving his body and conditioning. Spellman had the second-highest body fat percentage at the combine, and he finished in the bottom seven in lane agility, the shuttle run and sprinting.

It's likely he struggles scoring inside the arc or contributing on days when his three-ball is off.

Still, assuming the Hawks will be playing for the lottery and the development of their young prospects, the 30th overall pick should see the floor next season. When on it, Spellman is bound to have his moments as a shot-maker who can put it on the floor, slide his feet and protect the rim off the ball.

Bleacher Report

[Jamaaliver]

Spellman is definitely a character.

I do like that there is a definite contrast in personality between he and K Huerter.

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[Jamaaliver]

Tweet of the day:

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[Jamaaliver]

How did the #1 pick int he draft get votes for biggest steal in the draft?!?

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Which rookie was the biggest steal at where he was selected in the Draft?

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (11), LA Clippers – 27%

2. Svi Mykhailiuk (47), L.A. Lakers – 13%

2. Wendell Carter Jr. (7), Chicago – 10%

Michael Porter Jr. (14), Denver – 10%

Gary Trent Jr. (37), Portland – 10%

6. Luka Doncic (3), Dallas – 7%

Kevin Knox (9), New York – 7%

Also receiving votes: DeAndre Ayton (1), Phoenix; Kevin Huerter (19), Atlanta; Omari Spellman (30), Atlanta; Moritz Wagner (25), L.A. Lakers; Lonnie Walker IV (18), San Antonio

Last year: Dennis Smith Jr. – 37%

[kg01]

How did the #1 pick int he draft get votes for biggest steal in the draft?!?

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Which rookie was the biggest steal at where he was selected in the Draft?

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (11), LA Clippers – 27%

2. Svi Mykhailiuk (47), L.A. Lakers – 13%

2. Wendell Carter Jr. (7), Chicago – 10%

Michael Porter Jr. (14), Denver – 10%

Gary Trent Jr. (37), Portland – 10%

6. Luka Doncic (3), Dallas – 7%

Kevin Knox (9), New York – 7%

Also receiving votes: DeAndre Ayton (1), Phoenix; Kevin Huerter (19), Atlanta; Omari Spellman (30), Atlanta; Moritz Wagner (25), L.A. Lakers; Lonnie Walker IV (18), San Antonio

Last year: Dennis Smith Jr. – 37%

Maybe the voters got confused and thought the question was referring to how he ended up at Ari$$$ona?

[macd-gm]

I hope both those guys end up being steals. But Trae plus a first next year will be the biggest steal of the draft.

[Jamaaliver]

I hope both those guys end up being steals. But Trae plus a first next year will be the biggest steal of the draft.

I like your optimism.

[Jamaaliver]

This is what pure joy looks like.

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[macd-gm]

Spellman looked good out there last night. It's the first game where i thought he had a shot at being a rotation player right off the bat. He's a good rebounder. Just needs to make sure he has the defensive rotations down.

[Jamaaliver]

Huerter takes first step

Sitting on the bench in the visitor's locker room at Madison Square Garden clad in Atlanta Hawks workout clothes with earbuds in his ears, Kevin Huerter didn't look nervous.

He wasn't fazed by the television cameras being set up in front of his locker.

"All this for you?" asked teammate Dewayne Dedmon, seated to his left. Dedmon didn't know that about 60 people from the Capital Region came down on a bus to see Huerter's NBA debut, and according to Huerter's father Tom, there were another 40 on top of that.

Just more than six months ago, Huerter's college career at the University of Maryland ended under the radial roof of Madison Square Garden in a 59-54 loss to Wisconsin in the Big Ten Tournament on March 1. Since then, he's opted into the NBA draft, decided to stay in the draft, been drafted 19th overall by Atlanta, signed a contract that will pay him $2,250,960 this season and a little more than that next season, and had surgery to repair torn ligaments in his right hand.

"It's moving so fast it's hard to appreciate at this point," Huerter said before the game. "...Right now, I'm just trying to live in the moment and (I'm) trying to live in the moment every day."

But one thing the Hawks don't plan on is rushing Huerter's development.

"We're going to take a very slow approach with Kevin and move him along appropriately," Atlanta head coach Lloyd Pierce said prior to the game. "I would love to get him in tonight, and I know there will be short stints when he's out there, if he does get out there, but it's just about staying ready and then making an impact."

Spoiler:

And so Huerter would have to wait a while past 7:30. Two hours and 19 minutes more, to be exact, until he entered late in the fourth quarter, with 4:35 left to play with the Knicks leading 122-99 on their way to an 126-107 win. Audible cheers went up as he walked on the floor, perhaps a bit easier to hear as a lot of the crowd departed once the Knicks had the game in hand.

"The time was moving pretty slow for most of the game, and when I got in there, it was moving pretty quickly," Huerter said. "I looked up and there was 1:30 left."

With three minutes to play, his first NBA touch came when he inbounded the ball after Jeremy Lin took a hard foul outside the 3-point arc. Twenty-one seconds later, he'd record his first NBA stat when he pulled down a defensive rebound guarding the low post. All told, Huerter played four minutes and went 0-for-1 from the field with three rebounds.

Sure, it was garbage time. But it was NBA garbage time, and you've got to start somewhere.

Times Union

[steady]

Huerter and Spellman got overshadowed by Trae's BIG game naturally. but they were also excellent in the Cavs game, especially Huerter. He affects the game in so many different ways. Looking forward to seeing them both develop

[Jamaaliver]

How does this happen?

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[jayu70]

How does this happen?

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Because it's like a 5 game sample .

[ChokeFasncists]

Timely trash time substitutions by LP.

[Jamaaliver]

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