ATL All Day
Fansided

Thabo Sefolosha: Hawks’ Best Option for Starting SF?

By Jonathan Savitske

facebooktwitterreddit

Thabo Sefolosha was a key reserve for the Atlanta Hawks during the 2015 season, providing invaluable defense coming off the bench to spell DeMarre Carroll.

Following a severe injury suffered during an altercation with the New York Police Department in April, Thabo Sefolosha was lost for season, along with his valuable contributions to the team. His absence was especially felt during the Eastern Conference Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers, where a hobbled DeMarre Carroll and the inexperience of Kent Bazemore allowed Lebron James to dominate the series.

-= Related: Shelvin Mack: Important Piece or Valuable Trade Asset? =-

After losing DeMarre Carroll in free agency to their Eastern Conference rival the Toronto Raptors, the big question for the Atlanta Hawks is who will take his place in the starting lineup. Thabo Sefolosha is the most probably candidate, possessing the defensive prowess to diminish the offensive impact of opposing swingmen, as well as an effective long-range shot. His skill-set fits into the Hawks’ system perfectly.

More from Atlanta Hawks

There is certainly ambiguity surrounding the status of Thabo Sefolosha and his health entering the season following the injury to his leg, specifically relating to his ability to move at full strength on the court. Thabo Sefolosha was recently quoted as saying his recovery is going well, but it is still too early to tell whether he will be ready for the start of the Hawks’ 2015-2016 campaign.

Sefolosha’s recovery is of paramount importance for the rising Atlanta Hawks; but it would be short-sighted for the team to rush his recovery. After sustaining an injury of that magnitude, time and patience are key in order to ensure a full recovery for Sefolosha.

May 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Kent Bazemore (24) drives to the basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half in game two of the Eastern Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

In the event that Sefolosha is not ready at the onset of the season, the most likely candidate to take his place would be Kent Bazemore. Bazemore became an important role player for the Atlanta Hawks in 2014-2015, averaging 17.7 minutes per game. Bazemore provided solid defense and energy when on the court, despite an inconsistent offensive game. He demonstrated a capability to make outside shots, but could not consistently make the most of his shots and opportunities.

At 6’5”, Bazemore can effectively play the 3, but is still too undersized to have a significant impact on slowing down players like Lebron James. He gained valuable minutes in a starting role during the Eastern Conference Playoffs in 2015, which should translate to more success in the coming year.

“Thabo Sefolosha is the Atlanta Hawks’ best option at the Small Forward position going into the 2016 season.”

Even if Thabo Sefolosha is able to return early in the season, who is the best candidate for the Hawks to insert into the starting lineup? On one hand you have Bazemore: a young, energetic player who is in a contract year, desperate for playing time and would be a solid role player with erratic tendencies. On the other hand you have Thabo Sefolosha: an experienced veteran who is arguably the best defensive player on the team, but also possesses inconsistencies on offense and is returning from a significant injury.

More from ATL All Day

An outside the box option for Head Coach Mike Budenholzer to employ in the starting lineup in ’16 is Tim Hardaway, Jr. Hardaway is in a way the opposite of Bazemore: possessing a more consistent offensive game but with glaring flaws on the defensive end. Hardaway was acquired to provide wing depth on the bench, but with the proper coaching and development, could see himself thrust into the Hawks’ starting lineup.

In spite of coming back from injury, Thabo Sefolosha is the Atlanta Hawks’ best option at the Small Forward position going into the 2016 season. His defense is more valuable than his offense, and his veteran savvy will be an integral part of the team’s attempt to rise to the top of the Eastern Conference once again. With Thabo Sefolosha at the 3 and at full strength, I am confident that the Hawks will once again participate in the Eastern Conference Finals with a chance to dethrone Lebron James and the Cavs.

Next: Atlanta Hawks: Top 5 Rivalries Entering 2015-2016

More from ATL All Day

Home/Atlanta Hawks