NBA: Re-grading every first round pick from the 2018 NBA Draft
By Corey Rausch
2018 NBA draft: Re-grading Pick Number 19. Kevin Huerter: B+
Beyond the stars who showed out in the postseason, no player in this draft improved their public perception during the playoffs than Kevin Huerter. Trae Young became the face of the franchise on the night of the draft and Huerter became inextricably linked to him as the potential running mate for the years to come. This postseason showed that while he is unlikely to be the consistent second option on any given night he is up for the challenge.
Huerter is a big shot maker, like when he knocked down 37.1 percent of his 5.0 3-point attempts per game against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round of the playoffs. He is a solid rebounder and smart when it comes to interrupting passing lanes.
While both Hawks taken in this draft need help on the defensive side of the ball in general but they have helped build the culture that pushed the Hawks to just their second Conference Finals in a half-century. Huerter is proof that wing players can come to Atlanta and thrive if they buy into the system and are ready for the moment. This season was just beginning for the pair, and for the Atlanta Hawks, on their rise through the next era of success.