Cavaliers Struggle with De’Andre Hunter’s Starting Role

The Cleveland Cavaliers’ acquisition of De’Andre Hunter during last year’s trade deadline was seen as a pivotal move to solidify their roster, particularly at the small forward position. However, the expectations surrounding Hunter have not translated into reality, as his performance in the starting lineup has been anything but stellar.

In a recent episode of The Wine and Gold Podcast, Cleveland.com’s Ethan Sands discussed Hunter’s persistent struggles to find his rhythm with the first unit. His inconsistent play has emerged as a significant disappointment for the Cavaliers, who had envisioned him as an ideal complement to their established core. Instead, Hunter has shown more promise as a bench player, with his last start coming on December 14.

The situation has been exacerbated by injuries within the team. Dean Wade has missed four of the last five games due to a knee bruise, yet Coach Kenny Atkinson opted not to elevate Hunter into a starting role during Wade’s absence. This decision suggests that Hunter’s position may be more settled than anticipated, indicating a potential long-term role as a reserve player for the remainder of the season.

Statistically, Hunter is averaging 14.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists over 34 games, but his shooting efficiency has taken a hit. He is currently hitting just 43 percent of his field goal attempts and a disappointing 30.9 percent from beyond the arc, both figures falling short of his career averages. As reported by hoopswire.com, the Cavaliers’ coaching staff has been perplexed by his inability to produce at a high level when starting, especially with Wade’s injury and Max Strus recovering from foot surgery putting more pressure on the lineup.

While Hunter’s skill set and potential remain undeniable, the challenges he faces in a starting role have raised questions about his fit within the Cavaliers’ system. The team is hoping that his performance can stabilize as they continue to navigate the season, but for now, his role appears to be firmly in the background, at least until further developments arise.

As the Cavaliers look to make a push in the second half of the season, the focus will undoubtedly be on how they can maximize their current roster. Hunter’s situation is a focal point, and fans will be watching closely to see if he can turn things around and contribute more effectively when called upon.