The Atlanta Hawks recently acquired Dejounte Murray from the San Antonio Spurs. Murray emerged as a star during the 2021-2022 campaign and the Hawks certainly noticed. Murray and Trae Young are expected to make for a lethal backcourt duo. Murray commented on leaving San Antonio and joining the Hawks following the trade.
“Me personally, I feel like if it wasn't Atlanta, I would still be in San Antonio,” Murray said. “Atlanta is a place that I wanted to be. I'm excited to be here. Watching the team grow and grow, the excitement and fun they have with one another, and just the direction they are going. So I'm excited to be in Atlanta.”
Dejounte Murray seems to have treasured his time with the Spurs. But he appears excited to join the Hawks in Atlanta. Playing next to a star such as Trae Young should help bring the best out of Murray.
The 25-year old has improved in each of his first 5 NBA seasons. But 2021-2022 was a clear breakout for him. Murray averaged 21 points, 9 assists, 8 rebounds, and 2 steals per game. He also shot over 46 percent from the field and around 33 percent from beyond the arc.
And that came as the main star for an otherwise underwhelming Spurs team. Murray is destined to receive more open looks with the Hawks due to the Trae Young effect. Defenses will still focus on maintaining Young which could lead to even better scoring numbers for Dejounte Murray in 2022-2023.
The Hawks are expected to contend next season with their star-studded backcourt leading the charge.