In 2022, the Atlanta Hawks made a strategic move by trading Kevin Huerter to the Sacramento Kings, acquiring Justin Holiday, Moe Harkless, and a protected first-round pick in return. That pick eventually helped them secure an unprotected pick in 2026.
Since then, Huerter has been on quite a journey, including a stint in Chicago before the Bulls sent him to the Detroit Pistons ahead of this year's trade deadline. Unfortunately, this latest chapter hasn't been the smoothest for him.
Huerter's time with the Pistons has been challenging. In the four games he played before the All-Star break, he averaged just 4.3 points while shooting a mere 11.1%.
His debut against the Wizards was tough, going scoreless and attempting only two shots in six minutes. The struggle continued with another scoreless performance against the Hornets.
However, there was a glimmer of hope in his most recent outing, where he managed nine points on 4-of-9 shooting in 21 minutes. But that was almost two weeks ago, and since returning from the break, Huerter hasn't seen any court time, not even when Detroit faced his former team, the Bulls.
The Pistons have been a powerhouse in the East this season, yet their Achilles' heel is their outside shooting. Ranking 19th in the league with a 35.2% three-point shooting percentage and 27th in three-point attempts per game, they still decided to bench Huerter, a move that speaks volumes about their depth.
For Huerter, this isn't the end of the road. With unrestricted free agency on the horizon, he has a lot riding on the next few months. His three-point shooting in Chicago wasn't stellar at 31.4%, and the change of scenery hasn't sparked a turnaround yet.
The upcoming weeks are crucial for Huerter. While regular-season games offer a chance to showcase his skills, the playoffs could be where he truly shines if given the chance. A standout performance could be pivotal, especially as Detroit looks to push past last year's first-round exit.
Right now, Huerter finds himself on the outskirts of a stacked Pistons roster. This situation adds pressure to make every minute count.
His future contract could hinge on these performances, and at 27, he’s at a critical juncture in his career. Here's hoping he can seize the moment and carve out a new path.