Cavs could use more De’Andre Hunter this year, and that’s the plan

The Cavaliers have been searching for the right wing fit ever since Donovan Mitchell came to town.

Someone who can shoot it, defend it, and create just enough to keep defenses honest.

They believe they found that guy last February, when they landed De’Andre Hunter from the Hawks.

At the time, Hunter was in the midst of a career year and even getting Sixth Man buzz.

In Cleveland, the scoring numbers dipped — no surprise on a team with Mitchell, Darius Garland and Evan Mobley — but the flashes were there.

Hunter had big nights, played his role, and gave the Cavs exactly what they’ve been lacking at the three.

The playoffs? That was a different story, with injuries slowing him down and the production dropping to about 11 points a night.

Now comes the real test. The Cavs are planning to unlock Hunter in ways we didn’t see last spring.

That means experimenting with lineups, letting him do more than just spot up, and even giving him a chance to handle in pick-and-rolls with Mobley.

Think less “stand in the corner” and more “go create.”

It helps that Hunter showed in Atlanta he could play at an All-Star level — 19 points a game on nearly 40 percent from deep.

That version hasn’t yet made the trip to Cleveland, but the Cavs are betting it can.

With Garland sidelined to start the year, coach Kenny Atkinson is expected to lean heavily on Hunter to help carry the offense.

If he proves he can handle that role, the Cavs not only survive the early stretch, they add a new wrinkle to the playbook for when it matters most.

Bottom line: the Cavaliers need this to be the year Hunter clicks. Because if it is, it changes everything.