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Kent Bazemore: Hawks’ Starting SF to Begin Season?

By Jonathan Savitske

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Kent Bazemore signed a two year contract with the Atlanta Hawks in the 2014 offseason, leaving the Los Angeles Lakes to come to Philips Arena.

Kent Bazemore showed his versatility last season amidst a myriad of injuries to the Hawks during the regular season and the postseason, becoming an integral part of Head Coach Mike Budenholzer’s rotation off the bench and a spot starter at the SG and SF position. In 2014, Kent Bazemore averaged 5.2 points and 3 rebounds in 17.7 minutes per game. In the 75 games that Bazemore played him, he owned a 42.6 field goal percentage and shot 36.4 percent from beyond the arc.

-= Related: Kent Bazemore: Improved in 2016? =-

Having a 6’5”, 201 lb. frame, Kent Bazemore provided sound defense when on the court, spelling DeMarre Carroll and Thabo Sefolosha off the bench. With DeMarre Carroll signing with the Toronto Raptors, Thabo Sefolosha is projected to become the Atlanta Hawks’ starting SF this season. 

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Sefolosha is currently recovering from an injury suffered with an altercation with the NYPD in April, and though he has resumed basketball activities at Training Camp, his return is uncertain. The Hawks will most likely be patient with Sefolosha, not rushing him back on the court and allowing him to make a full recovery. In the event that Sefolosha is unable to start on opening night against the Detroit Pistons on October 27th, who takes his place?

Both Kent Bazemore and Tim Hardaway Jr. are the most likely candidates to fill in for Thabo Sefolosha in the starting lineup — but I believe that Bazemore will get the nod over Hardaway. Kent Bazemore spent last year as an important part of the Atlanta Hawks roster, and is familiar with Bud’s offensive and defensive schemes on the court.

Not to slight Tim Hardaway Jr. in any way, but he still requires time to acclimate to the Atlanta Hawks system. The best way for him to do that is to become a part of the rotation off the bench as he continues to adjust and to develop as a player. Kent Bazemore is also a better option because of the defensive skill-set that he affords the Atlanta Hawks while he is on the court.

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Bazemore is known for his defense, winning the Lefty Driesell Award while at Old Dominion University, which recognizes the top defensive player in college. His performance last season also supports the fact that his presence in the starting lineup will provide more defense for the club in Sefolosha’s absence.

The season is almost here, Hawks fans, and big things await our club in 2015-2016. Between the new additions and the Hawks’ key veterans, this year should be exciting. Keep staying true to Atlanta.

Next: Jeff Teague: How Does He Build on Last Year?

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