NBA Notes: Cavs, De’Andre Hunter, Pistons, Bulls, Matas Buzelis

De’Andre Hunter was a starter for most of his first five NBA seasons with Atlanta. That changed last year. In 64 games split between the Hawks and Cavaliers, he started just nine times.

Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com writes that Cleveland should keep Hunter in a reserve role. With Ty Jerome now in Memphis, the Cavaliers need another high-scoring option off the bench. Hunter, who averaged 17 points in 27.2 minutes last season, is the most logical candidate.

Fedor notes Hunter may be more talented than Max Strus, the other contender to start at small forward, but his style does not mesh as well with the Cavs’ starting group. Hunter has also shown he is comfortable coming off the bench, where he enjoys more offensive freedom.

Langdon keeping Pistons’ options open

In his second season running basketball operations in Detroit, Trajan Langdon is focused on flexibility. Keith Langlois of Pistons.com writes that Langdon added Duncan Robinson and Caris LeVert to strengthen the bench without hurting future cap space. Rookie scale extensions for Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren are possible before the October deadline, but only if the contract numbers match their current production.

Buzelis emerging as Bulls’ key piece

In Chicago, second-year forward Matas Buzelis is positioning himself as the Bulls’ most important player, Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. With contract uncertainty surrounding Coby White and Josh Giddey, Buzelis is taking on a larger role. He averaged 22.5 points and five rebounds in two Summer League games, and has been working in the weight room and on the court to expand his skill set.