Challenged by his coach defensively, Kevin Huerter However, seems to have lost what has always been its strength: its shooting quality. After two matches, he is only averaging… 3.5 points and 21% skill, including a pitiful 10% from 3-point range. Figures in line with its already delicate preseason (6.6 points on average and 32% skill, including 23% at 3-points)…
Obviously, this calls his starting place into question and, until now, the “Red Velvet” plays as many minutes per match (20) as his competitors at position 2, namely Malik Monk and especially Chris Duarte.
Despite this, he retains all the confidence of his teammates in Sacramento.
“ We must stay the course. The season is 82 games long and we’ve only played two “, remember Already De’Aaron Fox. “ These things happen, but we want him to stay the course. He got to this level, he stayed there and he got his extension for a reason. It doesn’t happen by chance. You always go through more delicate periods. All the best shooters have been there and we want him to continue to be himself. That is, chasing attackers on defense and fighting through screens. Of course, it’s tiring, but that comes with being a professional. You have to do it and then you have to go to the other side to get shots. He knows his job. He’s just struggling right now. So it’s all good, we just want him to stay the course. »
“ He is one of the best shooters on our team, if not the best », then indicates Keegan Murray. “ He just has to continue to be consistent in what he does and I know he works hard every day on his shoot. So we have complete confidence in him. I have complete confidence in him and, as soon as he takes a shot, I think it’s going to fall in. »
An upcoming role change?
As noted by De’Aaron Fox, the season has just started and there is nothing alarming. However, this delay in starting Kevin Huerter could therefore quickly change his role among the Kingswhile he was already struggling during the last playoffs: 9.2 points and 21% at 3-points, compared to 15.2 points and 40% at 3-points in the regular season.
Even if, however, Mike Brown does not wish to completely overwhelm his player at the moment.
“ He’s not the only one who made mistakes, a lot of guys did », Judged the Sacramento coach, after the defeat against Golden State. “ When I evaluate the team, I don’t just focus on Kevin and I don’t directly think about removing him from the five. Other changes can be made and, given the flexibility we think we have in the team, this is something I always have to watch. But, again, it’s not just Kevin. I have to take a closer look to see how I can put the team in a position to win a game. »
Optimistic like De’Aaron Fox, Mike Brown says he is confident in the idea of ultimately seeing Kevin Huerter regain color without deviating from his offensive instincts.
“ He’s been in this league long enough to have been through a lot, and we’re rooting for him as much as we can. We tell him: ‘If you’re open, take your chance.’ We also continue to work with him in areas where we think he can improve. But he will bounce back. He has shot extremely well throughout his career and I don’t see anything different this season. I think his shooting will end up being where it needs to be for him to feel good and help us win some games. », Declares the Coach of the Year 2023.
| Kevin Huerter | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2018-19 | ATL | 75 | 27 | 41.9 | 38.5 | 73.2 | 0.8 | 2.5 | 3.3 | 2.9 | 2.1 | 0.9 | 1.5 | 0.3 | 9.7 |
| 2019-20 | ATL | 56 | 31 | 41.3 | 38.0 | 82.8 | 0.6 | 3.5 | 4.1 | 3.8 | 2.5 | 0.9 | 1.6 | 0.5 | 12.2 |
| 2020-21 | ATL | 69 | 31 | 43.2 | 36.3 | 78.1 | 0.6 | 2.8 | 3.4 | 3.5 | 2.4 | 1.2 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 11.9 |
| 2021-22 | ATL | 74 | 30 | 45.4 | 38.9 | 80.8 | 0.4 | 3.0 | 3.4 | 2.7 | 2.5 | 0.7 | 1.2 | 0.4 | 12.1 |
| 2022-23 | BAG | 75 | 29 | 48.5 | 40.2 | 72.5 | 0.6 | 2.8 | 3.4 | 3.0 | 2.4 | 1.1 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 15.2 |
| 2023-24 | BAG | 1 | 24 | 33.3 | 20.0 | 0.0 | 2.0 | 3.0 | 5.0 | 2.0 | 3.0 | 0.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 7.0 |
| Total | 350 | 30 | 44.3 | 38.5 | 76.6 | 0.6 | 2.9 | 3.5 | 3.1 | 2.4 | 1.0 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 12.2 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
