Few role players have enjoyed a more meaningful breakout performance in these playoffs than Kevin Huerter did against the Sixers in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. While franchise superstar Trae Young struggled to get going (and finished 5-for-23), the 22-year-old Huerter scored a team-high 27 points. The only player in the game who tallied more was Joel Embiid.

Regardless of how far the Hawks go in these playoffs, that game changed how many see Huerter. Granted, most of those viewers were likely unfamiliar with what he can and can’t do before these playoffs even began. A 6’ 7” wing who possesses almost every offensive tool that’s currently coveted at his position by all 30 NBA teams, Huerter can shoot threes off the bounce and the catch, knows how to run a second-side pick-and-roll, handles the ball comfortably in traffic, and can defend several positions, up or down in size, without help.

With the Hawks now in the conference finals, Huerter has an opportunity to increase his profile even more, on a team that needs all the versatile scoring and playmaking ability it can get, especially if Young is hampered by his ankle.

recently spoke to Huerter about the difference between regular-season ball and the playoffs, Trae’s shimmy, having several top-tier nicknames, his looming contract extension and more.