De’Andre Hunter Bio
De’Andre James Hunter (born December 2, 1997) is an American professional basketball player for the Cleveland Cavaliers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Virginia Cavaliers and was named the NABC Defensive Player of the Year for 2019. Hunter was selected in the 2019 NBA draft with the 4th overall pick by the Los Angeles Lakers, but was then traded to the New Orleans Pelicans before being traded again to the Atlanta Hawks on draft night.
Early Life and Background
De’Andre Hunter was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he grew up in Lawncrest. He attended Friends’ Central School in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. During his junior year, he showcased his talent by averaging 21.6 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game, earning the title of Pennsylvania Class AA Player of the Year. In his senior year, he improved his performance, averaging 23.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.5 blocks per game. Hunter was recognized as a four-star recruit and ranked as the 72nd overall recruit and the 14th best small forward in the 2016 high school class.
Path to Basketball
On September 12, 2015, Hunter committed to play college basketball at the University of Virginia, choosing the Cavaliers over offers from other schools like North Carolina State and Notre Dame. During his redshirt freshman season, he made a significant impact, scoring double figures in 16 games, including 11 conference games. A notable moment came when he scored a buzzer-beater three-pointer to win a game against Louisville. Unfortunately, he broke his wrist during the 2018 ACC tournament, which sidelined him for the 2018 NCAA tournament. Without him, Virginia lost in the first round to UMBC. Despite this setback, Hunter was named to the All-ACC All-Freshman team and received the ACC Sixth Man of the Year award.
De’Andre Hunter Career
Early Career (2019–2025)
De’Andre Hunter was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers with the fourth overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft. He was then traded to the New Orleans Pelicans as part of the Anthony Davis trade and subsequently traded to the Atlanta Hawks on draft night. On July 7, 2019, the Hawks announced that they had signed Hunter. He made his NBA debut on October 24, 2019, starting in a game against the Detroit Pistons, where he scored 14 points and grabbed two rebounds.
Breakthrough (2021–present)
Hunter began the 2020–21 season as a starter for the Hawks and had a career-high 33 points in a game against the Milwaukee Bucks on January 24, 2021. However, he faced challenges with injuries, undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, which sidelined him for a significant period. Despite these challenges, he was named to the NBA Rising Stars roster due to his impressive performance leading up to the All-Star break. On April 26, 2022, he scored a career-high 35 points and secured 11 rebounds in a playoff game against the Miami Heat, although the Hawks were eliminated from the playoffs in that series. On October 17, 2022, Hunter agreed to a four-year, $95 million contract extension with the Hawks.
Notable Works and Milestones
Hunter’s signature achievements include being part of the NCAA championship-winning team in 2019 and receiving multiple accolades such as the NABC Defensive Player of the Year and First-team All-ACC honors in the same year. His career continues to evolve as he transitions to the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he was traded on February 6, 2025.
De’Andre Hunter Award Nominations
Throughout his career, De’Andre Hunter has received several nominations and accolades, particularly during his time at the University of Virginia, where he was recognized for his defensive skills and overall contributions to the team.
De’Andre Hunter Awards Won
De’Andre Hunter has achieved notable awards, including the NCAA championship in 2019, the NABC Defensive Player of the Year, and multiple All-ACC honors during his collegiate career. These achievements highlight his skills and contributions to basketball at both the collegiate and professional levels.
De’Andre Hunter Family
Information regarding De’Andre Hunter’s family is not publicly available. His parents and any potential siblings have not been disclosed in the available data.
Personal Life
Details about De’Andre Hunter’s personal life, including marital status or children, are not publicly available. He maintains a focus on his professional basketball career while keeping his personal life private.