The Cleveland Cavaliers acquired De'Andre Hunter to bolster their chances of winning an NBA championship, yet they have not fully utilized his potential by keeping him in a limited bench role. Despite his proven talent as a strong two-way player, head coach Kenny Atkinson has not integrated Hunter into the starting lineup, restricting his minutes even as the team struggles. In a recent game against the Pacers, Hunter demonstrated his impact by posting a positive plus/minus, unlike any of the starters, highlighting his importance to the team's success. The Cavaliers' strategy of maintaining Hunter's bench role, initially intended for his comfort, now seems counterproductive, especially with Darius Garland out and the team needing a win to advance. For Cleveland to achieve their full potential and pursue the championship, Hunter must be given significant playing time akin to stars Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley, as his involvement is crucial for their success in the playoffs and beyond.

De'Andre Hunter was brought to the Cleveland Cavaliers to help secure an NBA championship, but his talents have been underutilized as he remains on the bench instead of being a regular starter.

Despite head coach Kenny Atkinson's decision to limit Hunter's minutes, he has shown his capability as a top-tier two-way player, deserving substantial playtime, particularly in the playoffs.

In a game against the Pacers, Hunter's performance was pivotal, with a positive plus/minus that outshone all the starters, proving his on-court value and the need for more minutes.

The original plan to ease Hunter into the team dynamics by keeping him on the bench has backfired, especially now that Darius Garland is unavailable, necessitating a strategic change.

To advance in the playoffs and have a shot at the NBA title, the Cavaliers must maximize Hunter's potential by giving him the same amount of playtime as the team's key players like Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley.

Hunter's ability to shoot threes and defend matches or exceeds those currently playing over him, making a strong case for his inclusion in the starting lineup.

Without unleashing Hunter's full potential, Cleveland risks not reaching their championship aspirations, as his contributions are essential for their success.

The Cleveland Cavaliers traded for De'Andre Hunter to try and win an NBA championship.

But they simply aren't using the uber-talented wing in a way that takes advantage of that deal.

Head coach Kenny Atkinson still won't start Hunter. He still limits his minutes off the bench.

It doesn't make any sense.

Hunter is one of the best two-way players in the entire NBA. He deserves to play 36 minutes a night in the playoffs.

He played 29 minutes on Sunday night in the loss to the Pacers. Proving his value, he was a +8 in his time on the floor, while none of Cleveland's starters had a positive plus/minus.

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Hunter shoots 3s as well as Max Strus, the guy who starts over him. He defends as well as Dean Wade, a guy who gets bench minutes in place of him.

When the Cavs got Hunter, he had been coming off the Hawks' bench, so maybe they figured they'd keep him there for an initial comfort level. 

But it seemed obvious that eventually Hunter would break into the starting lineup.

Even with Darius Garland out, Hunter has continued to come off the bench.

It limits everything Cleveland can do, and if the Cavs want to come back after dropping Game 1 to the Pacers, they need a change. 

Hunter needs to start. He needs to play as many minutes as Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley.

That's not only the path to Cleveland beating the Pacers. It's the only path to an NBA title for the Cavs.

Without Hunter fully unleashed, the Cavs won't reach their massive potential.

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