Overview
- Hunter was benched for the entire fourth quarter of Monday’s 123-112 loss to the Jazz after scoring two points on 1-for-5 shooting in 18 minutes with three turnovers.
- Head coach Kenny Atkinson called the downturn a prolonged slump and said the staff is adjusting usage to help, having moved Hunter from starter to the bench on Dec. 17.
- Hunter is averaging 14.3 points on 42.7% shooting and about 31% from three this season, with his last nine games at 10.7 points on 39.5% overall and 24.2% from deep.
- Teammates, including Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen, voiced confidence in Hunter’s work and emphasized continued support as he tries to regain form.
- Team decision-makers have rebuffed trade offers so far as injuries to wings such as Max Strus and Dean Wade and a slide out of playoff position intensify scrutiny of rotations.