NBA Notes: Cavs, De’Andre Hunter, Celtics, Anfernee Simons, Bulls

Cavaliers

The Cavaliers thought they had finally solved their long-running small forward issue when they acquired De’Andre Hunter at last year’s trade deadline.

Instead, the fit has remained uneven, especially when Hunter is asked to start.

On a recent episode of The Wine and Gold Podcast, Ethan Sands of Cleveland.com said Hunter’s inability to consistently thrive with the starters has become one of the team’s bigger disappointments.

Cleveland envisioned Hunter as a plug-and-play piece alongside its core four, but his production has been noticeably steadier in a reserve role. He hasn’t started a game since December 14.

That trend continued even with Dean Wade sidelined for four of the past five games due to a knee bruise. Coach Kenny Atkinson opted not to elevate Hunter, a decision Sands interprets as a sign that Hunter’s role may be settled for the remainder of the season.

Hunter is averaging 14.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 34 games, but his efficiency has dipped to 43 percent from the field and 30.9 percent from three, well below his career norms.

Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com said the Cavaliers have been “baffled” by Hunter’s struggles as a starter — noting that Wade’s knee issues and Max Strus continuing his recovery from foot surgery have forced Atkinson into lineup combinations that wouldn’t be necessary if Hunter were more dependable with the first unit.

Fedor also raised the possibility that the front office could revisit the small forward market before the deadline.

Celtics

Anfernee Simons remains a frequent name in trade chatter due to his $27.7 million expiring contract, but his recent play has strengthened the case for keeping him.

As Brian Robb of MassLive notes, Simons reached double figures in scoring for the seventh straight game Friday and has expanded his role off the bench.

He is averaging 17.8 points per game in January while shooting 54 percent overall and a blistering 60 percent from three.

Simons said the rumors haven’t been a distraction.

“That’s the NBA,” he said. “I’ve been in trade rumors since my third year. You’ve just got to be where your feet are.”

Bulls

Coach Billy Donovan said guard Josh Giddey has resumed on-court work as he recovers from a strained left hamstring, per Joel Lorenzi of The Athletic.

No timetable has been set, but Donovan said there have been no setbacks.

Donovan also provided updates on two others. Rookie Noa Essengue has resumed lifting weights following season-ending shoulder surgery, while Zach Collins is dealing with what Donovan called a “pretty significant” toe sprain.

Collins is expected to remain in a walking boot as the team seeks additional medical opinions.