Kevin Huerter Bio
Kevin Joseph Huerter, born August 27, 1998, in Albany, New York, is an American professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Standing 6 ft 7 in tall and weighing around 190 lb, he plays the shooting guard and small forward positions with a reputation for shooting touch and versatility on the perimeter. Huerter first gained national attention during his college career with the Maryland Terrapins before being selected by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2018 NBA draft. He has since become known for his smooth shooting stroke and dependable playmaking, earning nicknames such as “Red Velvet” and “the Big Huert” from teammates and fans.
Across his NBA career, Kevin Huerter has suited up for the Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings, Chicago Bulls, and Detroit Pistons, contributing to playoff runs and individual milestones along the way. A former Mr. New York Basketball honoree, Huerter combines the poise of a high-level shooter with the size and basketball IQ to defend multiple positions. He continues to be regarded as one of the more reliable wings of his draft class, valued by every roster he has joined.
Early Life and Background
Kevin Joseph Huerter was born on August 27, 1998, in Albany, New York, and was raised in nearby Clifton Park, a suburban community in Saratoga County. He grew up in a sports-oriented household alongside his brother and two sisters, with his parents Tom and Erin Huerter encouraging a wide range of athletic pursuits from a young age. His father Tom Huerter played college basketball at Siena College, giving Kevin an early connection to the sport through family ties.
As a child, Kevin Huerter split his time between basketball and baseball, excelling in both. He was a teammate of future Major League Baseball pitcher Ian Anderson in the Babe Ruth League and in high school baseball at Shenendehowa, even helping his squad to a Class AA state championship in 2016. Huerter has cited the New York Yankees as his favorite Major League Baseball team, and his Babe Ruth League team, coached by his father, finished third at the 2013 14U World Series.
Huerter attended Shenendehowa High School in Clifton Park, where he starred on the basketball team as a 6 ft 7 in shooting guard. As a senior, he was named Mr. New York Basketball and led the program to its second state championship, capping a decorated prep career. By the end of high school, he had earned a four-star recruit ranking and was listed as the No. 50 overall prospect and No. 11 shooting guard in the 2016 high school class.
Path to Basketball
On September 7, 2015, Kevin Huerter committed to play college basketball for the Maryland Terrapins, choosing the program over more than 20 scholarship offers. The decision reflected his belief in the development track at Maryland and the chance to compete in the Big Ten Conference. He quickly established himself as one of the top perimeter prospects in the country.
At Maryland, Huerter earned a starting role as a freshman, averaging 9.3 points and 4.9 rebounds per game while showcasing his shooting range and feel for the game. Following his freshman season, he represented the United States at the 2017 FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup, where the American team captured the bronze medal. As a sophomore, Huerter raised his production to 14.8 points per game and 5 rebounds per game, earning honorable mention All-Big Ten recognition before declaring for the 2018 NBA draft.
Kevin Huerter Career
Early Career (2018–2019)
Kevin Huerter declared for the 2018 NBA draft without an agent following his sophomore year at Maryland and was eventually selected with the 19th overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks on June 21, 2018. He signed his rookie contract with the Hawks on July 1, 2018, and transitioned quickly into a rotation role on a rebuilding team. By the end of his first NBA season, the league had taken notice of his shooting instincts and basketball intelligence.
On December 31, 2018, Huerter recorded his first 20-point game against the Indiana Pacers, scoring 22 points in a 116–108 loss. He topped that mark on January 11, 2019, with a season-high 29 points against the Philadelphia 76ers in a 123–121 win. At season’s end, he was voted to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team, validating the Hawks’ investment in the young wing.
Atlanta Hawks Breakthrough (2018–2022)
Huerter’s most defining Hawks moment came during the 2021 NBA Playoffs. In Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals against the Philadelphia 76ers, Huerter scored a playoff career-high 27 points, leading Atlanta to its first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2015. His shot-making and poise in a high-stakes moment cemented his reputation as a clutch performer and helped elevate the Hawks’ rise in the Eastern Conference.
That breakout run was rewarded with a four-year, $65 million rookie contract extension signed on October 18, 2021, signaling the franchise’s long-term commitment. Huerter continued to deliver dependable shooting and secondary playmaking, becoming a fixture in the starting lineup. His combination of size, shooting, and competitive edge made him a central figure in the Hawks’ core.
Sacramento Kings Era (2022–2025)
On July 6, 2022, Huerter was traded to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Maurice Harkless, Justin Holiday, and a future first-round pick. He debuted for the Kings on October 19, 2022, recording 23 points, three rebounds, and two assists in a 115–108 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. Huerter’s arrival added a versatile shooter to a Sacramento roster that would soon break through as a playoff team.
On January 18, 2024, Huerter poured in a career-high 31 points on 11-of-17 shooting in a 126–121 loss to the Indiana Pacers, marking his most explosive offensive performance to that point. His Kings tenure was later interrupted when, on March 21, 2024, he was diagnosed with a dislocated left shoulder and labral tear suffered against the Memphis Grizzlies. Surgery was announced on March 29, 2024, ending his season.
Chicago Bulls Era (2025–2026)
On February 3, 2025, Kevin Huerter was traded to the Chicago Bulls in a multi-player deal that sent Zach LaVine to the Sacramento Kings and also involved the San Antonio Spurs. In 26 games for Chicago down the stretch, including 16 starts, he posted averages of 13.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists. His shooting and positional versatility helped stabilize the Bulls’ wing rotation.
Huerter made 44 appearances with 11 starts during the 2025–26 NBA season for Chicago, averaging 10.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. He continued to provide reliable perimeter scoring and connective playmaking as the Bulls evaluated their roster direction. His steady production reinforced his value as a two-way wing capable of filling multiple lineup roles.
Driving Style and Strengths
Kevin Huerter’s game is built around shooting efficiency, positional size, and basketball IQ. At 6 ft 7 in with smooth mechanics, he spaces the floor as a high-volume three-point shooter and attacks closeouts with sound decision-making. He complements his shooting with the rebounding and passing feel of a forward, allowing coaches to deploy him across shooting guard and small forward lineups.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his signature moments, Huerter’s 27-point performance in Game 7 of the 2021 Eastern Conference Semi-Finals stands as the highlight of his career. He also owns a career-high 31 points set on January 18, 2024, against Indiana, and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2019. Earlier, he became Mr. New York Basketball in 2016 and helped the United States finish third at the 2017 FIBA U19 World Cup.
Kevin Huerter Career Wins
Kevin Huerter’s career has been defined more by individual milestones, playoff impact, and steady contributions than by award totals. Across his NBA stops, he has consistently delivered shooting, defense, and playmaking that helped his teams compete in the postseason. His résumé includes All-Rookie recognition, a high-stakes playoff masterclass, and consistent scoring outputs at every stop.
NBA Highlights
Across his NBA career, Huerter has accumulated multiple standout performances, including his 27-point Game 7 against Philadelphia and his 31-point career high against Indiana. He has appeared in both the Eastern Conference Finals and postseason runs with Sacramento. He earned NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors in 2019, underscoring the immediate impact he made as a pro.
Other Wins & Performances
At Shenendehowa, Huerter led the basketball program to a state championship and was named Mr. New York Basketball in 2016. He also contributed to a Class AA baseball state championship in 2016 alongside Ian Anderson. Internationally, he helped the United States to a bronze medal at the 2017 FIBA Under-19 World Cup and competed at the 2016 FIBA Americas U18 Championship.
Kevin Huerter Family
Family Background and Basketball Lineage
Kevin Huerter was raised in Clifton Park, New York, by his parents Tom and Erin Huerter, alongside a brother and two sisters. His father Tom played college basketball at Siena College, providing Kevin with a direct link to the sport and an early model of competitive play. His brother has also played for Siena, continuing the family’s connection to college basketball in New York.
Personal Life
Kevin Huerter continues to reside in the United States and remains closely tied to his hometown of Clifton Park, New York. He played baseball as a child and remains an avid New York Yankees fan, a connection that dates back to his time in the Babe Ruth League. He has balanced his NBA career with strong family ties, often crediting his parents and siblings for grounding him throughout his professional journey.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 calendar year was a transition period for Kevin Huerter. He began the year with the Sacramento Kings before being dealt to the Chicago Bulls on February 3, 2025, in a three-team trade that sent Zach LaVine to Sacramento. Huerter quickly found a rhythm in Chicago, appearing in 26 games with 16 starts and posting averages of 13.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists down the stretch.
Heading into the 2025–26 season, Huerter’s role with the Bulls expanded as a veteran wing alongside a retooling roster. He appeared in 44 games with 11 starts, averaging 10.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists while continuing to space the floor with his perimeter shooting. His steady two-way play gave the Bulls a reliable rotation piece as they shaped their long-term direction.
By the February 3, 2026 trade that sent him to the Detroit Pistons, Huerter had reestablished himself as a contributor capable of impacting winning lineups. As the 2025 season closes, his combination of size, shooting, and basketball IQ continues to make him an attractive piece for contending teams, with his career arc still trending upward as he joins a young Pistons core.
