Cavaliers Still Seeking Consistency From De’Andre Hunter; Simons Strengthens Case to Stay; Bulls Provide Injury Updates
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CLEVELAND — The Cavaliers believed last season’s trade for De’Andre Hunter would settle their long-running small-forward dilemma, yet the 26-year-old has struggled to deliver in the starting lineup.
On “The Wine and Gold Podcast,” Cleveland.com’s Ethan Sands called Hunter’s uneven play with the first unit one of the club’s biggest letdowns. Hunter has not opened a game since Dec. 14, even while Dean Wade sat out four of the last five contests with a bruised knee. Head coach Kenny Atkinson kept Hunter in a reserve role during that stretch, a move Sands took as evidence the rotation is unlikely to change.
Through 34 appearances, Hunter is averaging 14.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists, but his shooting has slipped to 43.0% from the floor and 30.9% from beyond the arc—both below his career marks. Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor noted the coaching staff has been puzzled by Hunter’s starting woes, especially with Wade nursing knee issues and Max Strus still recovering from foot surgery. Fedor added that the front office could revisit the wing market before the trade deadline.
Celtics / Anfernee Simons
Anfernee Simons’ $27.7 million expiring contract continues to surface in trade speculation, yet the guard’s recent form is bolstering arguments to keep him. As MassLive’s Brian Robb reported, Simons reached double-digit scoring for the seventh consecutive game on Friday and has taken on greater responsibilities off the bench.
In January, the 24-year-old is averaging 17.8 points while shooting 54% overall and a red-hot 60% from three-point range. Asked about the rumors, Simons said he is accustomed to the noise: “That’s the NBA. I’ve been in trade rumors since my third year. You’ve just got to be where your feet are.”
Bulls
Bulls head coach Billy Donovan told reporters guard Josh Giddey has resumed on-court activity as he recovers from a strained left hamstring. No return date has been set, but Donovan said the rehab has gone smoothly so far.
The coach also shared that rookie forward Noa Essengue has started weight training following season-ending shoulder surgery, while center Zach Collins is dealing with what Donovan labeled a “pretty significant” toe sprain. Collins will remain in a walking boot while the team seeks additional medical opinions.
Source: Hoops Wire
