Kevin Huerter Bio
Kevin Joseph Huerter is an American professional basketball player for the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Nicknamed “Red Velvet and the Big Huert,” he played college basketball for the Maryland Terrapins before being selected in the 2018 NBA draft. Since entering the league, Huerter has been known for his shooting skills and versatility on the court, contributing to his teams’ offensive success across multiple seasons.
Early Life and Background
Kevin Joseph Huerter was born on August 27, 1998, in Albany, New York. He was raised in Clifton Park, a suburban town in Saratoga County, by his parents Tom and Erin Huerter. He grew up alongside a brother and two sisters in a household with strong ties to athletics. His father, Tom Huerter, played college basketball at Siena College, and his brother later followed a similar path.
Beyond basketball, Huerter played baseball as a child and developed a strong appreciation for the New York Yankees. His Babe Ruth League team was coached by his father, and the squad finished third at the 2013 14U World Series. During that stretch, Huerter was a teammate of Ian Anderson, a future Major League Baseball pitcher, both in Babe Ruth League play and at Shenendehowa High School.
Path to Basketball
Huerter attended Shenendehowa High School in Clifton Park, where he played as a 6 ft 7 in shooting guard. He led the school’s basketball team to its second state championship and, as a senior, was named Mr. New York Basketball in 2016. He also played on the baseball team and won the Class AA state championship in 2016 alongside Ian Anderson.
On September 7, 2015, Huerter committed to play college basketball at Maryland, choosing the Terrapins over 20 other scholarship offers. By the end of his high school career, he was rated as a four-star recruit, ranked No. 50 overall and No. 11 among shooting guards in the 2016 high school class. That recruitment set the stage for his move to the Big Ten conference.
Kevin Huerter Career
College Career (2016–2018)
Huerter earned a starting position as a freshman at Maryland, averaging 9.3 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. Following his freshman season, he was selected to the United States team for the 2017 FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup, where the squad finished third overall.
As a sophomore, Huerter increased his production, averaging 14.8 points and 5 rebounds per game. At the close of the season, he was named honorable mention All-Big Ten, confirming his status as one of the conference’s most promising perimeter players.
Atlanta Hawks (2018–2022)
Following his sophomore season, Huerter declared for the 2018 NBA draft without an agent. He was selected to participate in the NBA Draft Combine and later opted to hire an agent and remain in the draft, forgoing his final two years of college eligibility. On June 21, 2018, Huerter was selected with the nineteenth overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks, and on July 1, 2018, he officially signed with the team.
On December 31, 2018, Huerter recorded his first 20-point game against the Indiana Pacers, scoring 22 points in a 116–108 loss. On January 11, 2019, he scored a season-high 29 points against the Philadelphia 76ers in a 123–121 victory. At the end of the 2018–19 NBA season, Huerter was voted to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. In Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals against the Philadelphia 76ers, he scored a playoff career-high 27 points, helping lead the Hawks to their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2015. On October 18, 2021, Huerter signed a four-year, $65 million rookie contract extension with Atlanta.
Sacramento Kings (2022–2025)
On July 6, 2022, Huerter was traded to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Maurice Harkless, Justin Holiday, and a future first-round pick. On October 19, 2022, he made his Kings debut, recording 23 points, three rebounds, and two assists in a 115–108 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.
On January 18, 2024, Huerter scored a career-high 31 points on 11-for-17 shooting in a 126–121 loss against the Indiana Pacers. On March 21, 2024, he was diagnosed with a dislocated left shoulder and labral tear after suffering the injury against the Memphis Grizzlies. On March 29, 2024, it was announced that he would undergo surgery to repair the injury, causing him to miss the remainder of the season.
Chicago Bulls (2025–Present)
On February 3, 2025, Huerter was traded to the Chicago Bulls in a multi-team deal that sent Zach LaVine and a 2028 second-round pick to the Sacramento Kings, with the San Antonio Spurs also involved. The trade marked a fresh chapter for Huerter as he joined a Bulls team looking to reshape its roster.
Driving Style and Strengths
Huerter is widely regarded as a skilled shooter with deep range and the ability to space the floor. His versatility allows him to play effectively as both a shooting guard and a small forward, while his basketball IQ and willingness to move without the ball make him a valuable piece within modern offensive systems.
Notable Events and Milestones
Huerter’s 27-point performance in Game 7 of the 2021 Eastern Conference Semi-Finals against the Philadelphia 76ers stands as one of his defining moments. His 31-point career high against the Indiana Pacers in January 2024 also highlighted his scoring ceiling when given a featured role.
Kevin Huerter Career Wins
Kevin Huerter’s career has been built on consistency and perimeter shooting rather than headline-making individual win totals. His milestone achievements include being voted to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2019 and earning Mr. New York Basketball honors in 2016.
NBA Highlights
Huerter’s NBA résumé includes four seasons with the Atlanta Hawks and three with the Sacramento Kings before his move to the Chicago Bulls. His first 20-point game came on December 31, 2018, against the Indiana Pacers, and his career-high 31 points came on January 18, 2024, also against Indiana.
Other Wins & Performances
At Shenendehowa High School, Huerter helped lead the program to its second state championship and was named Mr. New York Basketball. He also captured a Class AA state championship in baseball in 2016 alongside future MLB pitcher Ian Anderson.
Kevin Huerter Family
Family Background and Basketball Lineage
Huerter was raised in Clifton Park, New York, by his parents Tom and Erin Huerter. His father played college basketball at Siena College, and his brother also played for the Siena program, giving the family a clear basketball lineage.
Personal Life
Huerter grew up alongside a brother and two sisters in a household that emphasized athletics. His father coached his Babe Ruth League baseball team, an experience that helped shape his competitive approach as an athlete.
2025 Season Performance
Huerter’s 2025 season began with his final year on the Sacramento Kings roster before he was traded to the Chicago Bulls on February 3, 2025. The move gave him an opportunity to reset his role on a new team after recovering from shoulder surgery that ended his 2023–24 campaign.
Joining the Bulls inserted Huerter into a developing roster that was actively reshaping its identity. His shooting profile remained a key asset for Chicago as the team sought reliable perimeter scoring and floor spacing.
Looking ahead, Huerter is expected to continue serving as a steady shooter and secondary playmaker for the Bulls. His ability to play multiple positions and contribute without dominating the ball should keep him in the rotation as Chicago builds toward long-term consistency.