De'Andre Hunter

A best-selling book on how to become a fan favorite during one’s first month with a new NBA team hasn’t yet been written, but when it does, De’Andre Hunter deserves to be among those writing the foreword. Seemingly clear of every regular-season milestone outside of hitting a game-winning shot in the wine-and-gold, Hunter gets his pen ready, first by establishing himself along the floor’s weak side. Positioned for a knockout blow after his teammates’ pick-and-roll softens the Portland Trail Blazers’ defense, Hunter unloads a spot-up overtime triple, affording the Cleveland Cavaliers’ a two-point edge in the final 30 seconds. In lockdown mode over the ensuing half-minute, Cleveland’s 18-point come-from-behind triumph held special significance, as they entered the victory column without their No. 1 scorer, and became the league’s first to cross the 50-win plateau. 8-0 since arriving to Believeland — and ultimately, perfect over his first 13 games — Hunter led all bucket-getters with 32 points, seven rebounds, and a steal, accompanied by standout efficiency overall (8-of-15), from deep (five-of-nine), and from the charity stripe (11-of-12).