Lakers select De'Andre Hunter with No. 4 pick, reportedly on Hawks' behalf
With the No. 4 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers selected Virginia forward De'Andre Hunter, who will reportedly be rerouted to the Atlanta Hawks.
The Hawks reportedly acquired the No. 4 selection earlier Thursday in a deal with the New Orleans Pelicans. The Pelicans received the pick from L.A. in the still-unofficial Anthony Davis trade.
The 6-foot-8 forward soared up draft boards during a sophomore campaign that saw him lead the Cavaliers to their first NCAA championship while securing NABC Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Hunter also ranked second on Virginia in both points (15.2) and rebounds (5.1), as he helped the Wahoos recover from an embarrassing first-round loss to UMBC in the 2018 tournament.
Hunter fits the prototypical 3-and-D mold for the modern NBA game, and although his ceiling likely isn't a superstar, his floor is high enough to project him as at least an effective two-way difference-maker.
Bio
Position: F
School: Virginia
College Experience: Sophomore
Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 225 lbs
Wingspan: 7-foot-2
Max Vertical: N/A
Strengths
- Arguably the best perimeter defender in the draft, Hunter possesses excellent instincts, rugged effort, and scary length that can disrupt passing lanes.
- He's among the most reliable perimeter shooters available after connecting on 43.8 percent from 3-point range - including hitting four of five from behind the arc in the national final.
- Uses his length well around the basket to battle for rebounds, and is already built to overpower opposing wings.
Weaknesses
- Needs to work on his ball-handling if he wants to develop any semblance of an isolation game.
- Can knock down shots, but can't create them without the help of solid playmakers.