De'Andre Hunter, a versatile forward known for his two-way impact, has seen his career trajectory shift through multiple franchises and significant injury hurdles. For the 2025-26 NBA season, Hunter averaged 13.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game across 45 appearances. His season was split between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Sacramento Kings before a severe left eye injury prematurely ended his campaign in February 2026.

2025-26 Season Statistics Breakdown

The 2025-26 season was a period of transition and eventual adversity for Hunter. After starting the year with the Cleveland Cavaliers, he was traded to the Sacramento Kings in a mid-season move designed to bolster the Kings' perimeter defense. However, his tenure in Sacramento lasted only two games.

Combined Season Averages (45 Games)

Category Statistic
Points Per Game (PPG) 13.7
Rebounds Per Game (RPG) 4.1
Assists Per Game (APG) 2.0
Field Goal Percentage (FG%) 41.5%
Three-Point Percentage (3P%) 30.5%
Free Throw Percentage (FT%) 86.7%
Minutes Per Game (MPG) 26.1

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Sacramento Kings Performance

During his 43 games with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Hunter provided steady production as a supplementary scoring option. He averaged 14.0 points and 4.2 rebounds in 26.2 minutes per game. His efficiency was relatively stable, shooting 42.3% from the field and 30.8% from beyond the arc.

Upon moving to the Sacramento Kings, the sample size was extremely limited. In his two games before the injury, Hunter struggled to find his rhythm, averaging 7.5 points on 21.1% shooting. These figures are widely considered unrepresentative of his actual skill level due to the sudden adjustment period and the injury sustained in his second outing.

The Impact of the Left Eye Injury on Hunter’s Season

The defining moment of Hunter's 2025-26 campaign occurred on February 6, 2026, during a matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers. Hunter suffered a retinal detachment in his left eye after an accidental contact with Kobe Sanders.

Following a medical evaluation, it was determined that Hunter required season-ending surgery, which took place on February 20, 2026. This injury halted his integration into the Kings' system and raised questions about his shooting mechanics upon return, although medical reports suggest he is expected to be fully recovered for the next training camp.

Comprehensive Career NBA Statistics

To understand Hunter's value, one must look at his progression since being drafted 4th overall in 2019. Over his career spanning the Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Sacramento Kings, he has maintained a reputation as a reliable 3D (Three-and-D) wing.

Regular Season Career Totals

Season Team GP MPG FG% 3P% PPG RPG APG
2025-26 TOT 45 26.1 .415 .305 13.7 4.1 2.0
2024-25 TOT 64 27.2 .470 .405 17.0 4.0 1.4
2023-24 ATL 57 29.5 .459 .385 15.6 3.9 1.5
2022-23 ATL 67 31.7 .461 .350 15.4 4.2 1.4
2021-22 ATL 53 29.8 .442 .379 13.4 3.3 1.3
2020-21 ATL 23 29.5 .484 .326 15.0 4.8 1.9
2019-20 ATL 63 32.0 .410 .355 12.3 4.5 1.8

Postseason Performance Stats

Hunter has often elevated his play during the NBA Playoffs, demonstrating an ability to handle high-pressure environments. In the 2024-25 playoffs with Cleveland, he averaged 11.0 points and 3.6 rebounds. His standout postseason remains the 2021-22 series with Atlanta, where he averaged a career-playoff high of 21.2 points per game while shooting an elite 46.2% from three-point range.

Advanced Analytics and Efficiency Metrics

Traditional box score stats only tell part of the story for a player like De'Andre Hunter. Advanced metrics highlight his efficiency and defensive contributions.

Shooting Splits and Shot Profile

Throughout the 2025-26 season, Hunter's True Shooting Percentage (TS%) stood at 54.5%, a slight dip from his career-best 62.3% in the 2024-25 season. His scoring versatility is evidenced by his shot distribution:

  • Two-Point Efficiency: Hunter remains effective in the mid-range, often utilizing his 6'7" frame to shoot over smaller defenders.
  • Three-Point Impact: While his 2025-26 percentage dropped to 30.5%, he has historically been a near 40% shooter from deep, particularly in catch-and-shoot situations.
  • Free Throw Reliability: Hunter is an exceptional free-throw shooter, maintaining an 86.7% average in 2025-26, which makes him a reliable option in late-game scenarios.

Defensive Impact and Usage Rate

With a career defensive rating that frequently hovers around league average or better depending on the team's scheme, Hunter is tasked with guarding the opponent's primary perimeter scoring threat. In 2025-26, his usage rate was 21.8%, indicating that he remains a significant part of the offensive rotation, even as a third or fourth option.

Collegiate Stats at the University of Virginia

Hunter's statistical foundation was built during his time at Virginia, where he was a key component of the 2019 NCAA Championship team.

  • 2018-19 Season: Averaged 15.2 points and 5.1 rebounds. He was named the NABC Defensive Player of the Year.
  • 2017-18 Season: Averaged 9.2 points in a Sixth Man role, earning ACC Sixth Man of the Year honors.

His college career shooting splits (50.9% FG and 41.9% 3P) foreshadowed his professional role as an efficient, floor-spacing forward.

What is De'Andre Hunter's Fantasy Basketball Value?

For fantasy basketball managers, Hunter's stats present a mix of stability and "injury risk" labels. When healthy, he provides:

  1. Consistent Scoring: Usually safe for 14-17 points.
  2. Elite Free Throw Percentage: Helpful for teams punting categories but needing efficiency.
  3. Low Turnovers: In 2025-26, he averaged only 1.7 turnovers per game, which is excellent for a player with his usage.

However, his low "stocks" (steals and blocks) numbers—averaging only 0.7 steals and 0.1 blocks in 2025-26—limit his ceiling in category-based leagues.

Summary of Recent Career Milestones

  • Career High Points: 35 points (achieved multiple times, most recently in January 2025).
  • Career High Rebounds: 12 rebounds (against Boston in 2023).
  • Major Trades: Moved from Atlanta to Cleveland in February 2025, and then to Sacramento in February 2026.
  • Contract Status: Signed a four-year, $95 million extension in late 2022, which remains a benchmark for his market value.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About De'Andre Hunter's Stats

How many points does De'Andre Hunter average per game?

In the 2025-26 season, De'Andre Hunter averaged 13.7 points per game. His career average is approximately 14.8 points per game.

What happened to De'Andre Hunter in the 2026 season?

His season was cut short after 45 games due to a retinal detachment in his left eye, requiring surgery in February 2026.

What is De'Andre Hunter's career high in scoring?

De'Andre Hunter's career high is 35 points, most recently achieved on January 27, 2025, while playing for the Atlanta Hawks against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Is De'Andre Hunter a good three-point shooter?

Historically, yes. While he shot 30.5% in the 2025-26 season, he had a career-high 40.5% from beyond the arc in the 2024-25 season.

Which team does De'Andre Hunter play for now?

As of the conclusion of the 2025-26 season, he is a member of the Sacramento Kings, though he spent the majority of that season with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Conclusion

De'Andre Hunter’s statistical profile defines him as a high-floor, reliable wing whose primary challenges have been health-related rather than performance-based. His 2025-26 stats of 13.7 PPG and 4.1 RPG reflect a player who can seamlessly fit into various offensive schemes, whether in Cleveland or Sacramento. As he recovers from his retinal surgery, his career averages suggest he will remain a vital 3D asset in the NBA, provided he regains his shooting stroke and perimeter defensive mobility. Fans and analysts alike will be watching his return in the 2026-27 season to see if he can return to the elite efficiency he displayed during his peak years in Atlanta and Cleveland.