As far as I can tell, the injury that De’Andre Hunter suffered tonight is a career-ender. Sorry to be so blunt about it, but that’s how I see it. Hunter left this game in the fourth quarter, clutching his hand, and he didn’t return. And since the injury, he hasn’t played in a SINGLE game. This 18-point performance is the last game of his career to this point. Thus, the injury is a career-ender.
Hawks fans will be sad to hear this, perhaps even angry, but they already knew it, deep in their hearts. We all did, when we saw him trudge back to the locker room.
Hunter’s career was illustrious, and the league has lost a great talent. Here is a list of his accomplishments:
-Started every game he appeared in
As you can see, a long and prestigious list of accomplishments. The award voters loved this kid, and they still do, but they are not allowed to vote for players whose careers have ended. All that remains to be seen is if he is inducted into the Hall of Fame; based on his body of work, I’d have to say that he’s a lock.