Kevin Huerter, a dynamic shooting guard known for his sharp shooting, basketball IQ, and versatility, has emerged as one of the NBA’s promising young players. Huerter’s journey to the NBA is one of persistence and development, showcasing his growth from a standout college player to a key contributor in the professional ranks.
Early Life and College Career
Kevin Huerter was born on December 30, 1998, in Albany, New York. Raised in a sports-oriented family, he developed a passion for basketball at a young age. Huerter attended Shenendehowa High School in Clifton Park, New York, where he made a name for himself as a standout guard, earning All-State honors for his performance on the court.
After high school, Huerter committed to playing college basketball at the University of Maryland. At Maryland, he quickly became known for his smooth shooting stroke, high basketball IQ, and ability to contribute in multiple areas. He played for the Maryland Terrapins from 2016 to 2018, earning All-Big Ten honors during his sophomore season.
Huerter’s performance in college caught the attention of NBA scouts, as he averaged 14.8 points, 5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game during his sophomore year. His standout skill was his shooting, especially from three-point range, where he demonstrated excellent range and accuracy. Huerter’s decision to enter the 2018 NBA Draft was a natural next step in his basketball career.
NBA Draft and Early Years with the Atlanta Hawks
Kevin Huerter was selected with the 19th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks. His transition to the NBA was smooth, thanks to his refined skills and ability to fit in seamlessly with the Hawks’ up-tempo style of play. Huerter’s ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting and create opportunities off the ball made him an immediate asset for Atlanta.
In his rookie season, Huerter played in 69 games and quickly earned a reputation as one of the league’s top shooting guards. He averaged 9.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game while shooting 38.5% from beyond the arc. His ability to knock down open shots and space the floor made him a valuable piece in the Hawks’ rebuilding process.
As Huerter’s career progressed, he became known not only for his shooting but also for his all-around game. His defense improved year by year, and he showed the ability to handle the ball and make plays for his teammates. He was particularly effective in pick-and-roll situations and had a solid understanding of how to move without the ball to get open for shots.
The 2021 Playoff Breakout
The 2021 NBA Playoffs marked a significant turning point in Kevin Huerter’s career. The Atlanta Hawks made a surprising run to the Eastern Conference Finals, and Huerter played a pivotal role in their success. In the playoffs, Huerter showcased his ability to perform under pressure, particularly in the pivotal Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Philadelphia 76ers.
In that game, Huerter had a breakout performance, scoring 27 points, including several key baskets down the stretch, to help the Hawks advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. His fearless play in clutch moments cemented his reputation as a reliable and talented young player. Huerter’s performance in the postseason earned him widespread recognition, and many analysts began to see him as one of the future stars of the league.
Playing Style and Strengths
Kevin Huerter’s game is defined by his versatility. As a 6’7″ guard, he combines size and skill, which allows him to play both on and off the ball. His ability to shoot from deep range is one of his most dangerous assets. Huerter’s smooth and quick release, combined with his high basketball IQ, makes him a constant threat from beyond the arc. He has improved his finishing ability at the rim and can be effective when attacking the basket.
Huerter’s defensive abilities have also improved throughout his career. While not known as a lockdown defender, he has the size and agility to guard multiple positions. He has developed into a capable defender, particularly on the ball, and his intelligence allows him to make timely rotations and contest shots.
Another key aspect of Huerter’s game is his ability to play without the ball. His off-ball movement and court awareness allow him to get open for catch-and-shoot opportunities, making him a valuable asset in motion offenses. His playmaking ability, especially in transition, has also shown promise, as he is able to find teammates for open shots or set them up for easy scores.
Future Outlook
At just 25 years old, Kevin Huerter has already proven himself as one of the NBA’s most promising shooting guards. His combination of scoring, playmaking, and defense makes him a highly valuable player for the Atlanta Hawks as they continue to build their team around young talent.
With his steady improvement and his performance in the postseason, Huerter looks poised to continue his development into one of the league’s top shooting guards. Whether it’s as a primary scoring option or a key role player, Huerter’s future in the NBA is bright.
As the Hawks continue their quest to compete for an NBA championship, Kevin Huerter will be a crucial piece of the puzzle. His skill set, mentality, and work ethic suggest that he will only continue to grow and become an even more prominent figure in the league for years to come.
Conclusion
Kevin Huerter’s rise in the NBA is a testament to his hard work and development. From a standout college player to a key contributor for the Atlanta Hawks, he has shown that he is not only a sharpshooter but also a versatile, well-rounded player. As he continues to improve his game and contribute to his team’s success, Huerter’s place as one of the league’s emerging stars is solidified. Fans and analysts alike are excited to see what the future holds for this talented young guard.
FAQs About Kevin Huerter
1. Who is Kevin Huerter? Kevin Huerter is a professional basketball player in the NBA, currently playing for the Sacramento Kings. He is known for his sharpshooting, particularly from beyond the arc, as well as his versatility as a guard.
2. Where was Kevin Huerter born? Kevin Huerter was born in Albany, New York, on December 30, 1998.
3. What position does Kevin Huerter play? Huerter plays the shooting guard position, but he is also capable of playing as a small forward or point guard due to his versatility.
4. Which team does Kevin Huerter currently play for? As of the 2024 NBA season, Kevin Huerter plays for the Sacramento Kings. He was traded to the Kings in the summer of 2022, after playing his first few seasons with the Atlanta Hawks.
5. What college did Kevin Huerter attend? Kevin Huerter played college basketball for the University of Maryland Terrapins, where he earned All-Big Ten honors during his sophomore year before declaring for the NBA Draft.
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6. When was Kevin Huerter drafted into the NBA? Kevin Huerter was selected by the Atlanta Hawks with the 19th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.
7. What is Kevin Huerter known for on the basketball court? Kevin Huerter is best known for his exceptional shooting ability, particularly from three-point range. He is also recognized for his basketball IQ, playmaking ability, and defensive improvements.
8. What are some of Kevin Huerter’s career highlights? One of Kevin Huerter’s standout moments came during the 2021 NBA Playoffs when he helped the Atlanta Hawks reach the Eastern Conference Finals. He had a memorable 27-point performance in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Philadelphia 76ers, leading his team to victory.
9. How tall is Kevin Huerter? Kevin Huerter stands 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 meters) tall, which gives him an advantage in both offense and defense, particularly as a shooting guard.
10. What are Kevin Huerter’s career statistics? As of the 2023-2024 season, Kevin Huerter averages about 12-13 points per game with solid rebounding and assist numbers. His career three-point shooting percentage is around 38%, making him one of the league’s reliable shooters from distance.
11. What is Kevin Huerter’s playing style? Huerter is known for his smooth shooting stroke, particularly from beyond the arc. He is also a smart off-the-ball player, using his movement to get open for shots. Huerter can handle the ball, make plays for teammates, and has become an increasingly solid defender, known for his ability to guard multiple positions.
12. What teams has Kevin Huerter played for? Kevin Huerter began his NBA career with the Atlanta Hawks, where he played from 2018 to 2022. He was then traded to the Sacramento Kings, where he currently plays.
13. Has Kevin Huerter ever played in an NBA All-Star Game? As of now, Kevin Huerter has not been selected to an NBA All-Star Game, but his potential and solid performances, particularly in the playoffs, have made him a player to watch.
14. What are Kevin Huerter’s goals for the future? Kevin Huerter’s goal is to continue improving his game, particularly as a defender and playmaker, and to contribute to his team’s success. He aspires to help the Sacramento Kings compete for playoff spots and ultimately a championship.
15. What are Kevin Huerter’s off-court interests? Off the court, Kevin Huerter is known for his charity work and community involvement. He often participates in local events and gives back to the community, focusing on youth initiatives and basketball development programs.
16. What is Kevin Huerter’s nickname? Kevin Huerter’s nickname is “Red Velvet,” due to his red hair and smooth, sweet shooting style, much like the cake for which the nickname is named.