Atlanta Hawks: Bazemore thanks fans and Atlanta
After agreeing to another four years with the Atlanta Hawks, shooting guard Kent Bazemore took the time to write a letter of thanks to Hawks fans and the city of Atlanta.
The Atlanta Hawks shooting guard Kent Bazemore has genuinely been the definition of “True to Atlanta.” Once the NBA free agency period began, he received offers from the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers, but quickly turned them down and re-upped with the Hawks.
Not only did he agree to a four-year, $70 million deal with the Hawks, but then took out a full-page ad in The Atlanta Journal Constitution on Wednesday, expressing thanks to the city, fans, and Hawks organization. If there was ever any question as to what led Bazemore to his decision to stay with the Hawks, here is the answer.
VIA Chris Vivlamore of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution :
"The ad appears on page A12 of the AJC. It is a picture of an applauding Bazemore with a letter he wrote:Dear Atlanta,First and foremost, I want to thank you for taking me in two years ago and helping shape me into the man I am today. This city, the people, the fans, the Hawks organization and my teammates have made this HOME for me. All of the support and love that I’ve received has been surreal.During free agency, I knew in my heart that Atlanta is where I wanted to stay. This city has become my home and it’s where I want to continue to grow both personally and professionally for the next four years and beyond. It’s the city that my family and I want to be in."
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"My Atlanta Hawks teammates and the Atlanta community have supported me immeasurably and I am excited to see what we will accomplish together in the future. I promise you that I will give my all every single night on the floor to do everything I can to help us win!Atlanta is also where my foundation is based. Staying home allows me to continue my efforts in our community with the ARMS Foundation. I created a non-profit organization to provide outreach that motivates and inspires the next generation of leaders.Please join me in my staying in Atlanta. I look forward to seeing you at one of the foundation’s upcoming events:* Bowling for Hoops – Painted Pin on Saturday, Aug.6 from noon-4:30 p.m.* UNO Card Tournament – Fernback Museum on Sunday, Aug. 7 from 7-10 p.m.* Celebrity Golf Classic – Druid Hills Golf Club on Monday, Aug. 8To attend an event, sign up by visiting www.ARMSFoundation.org or Eventbrite.Love,Kent Bazemore #24"
There is no doubt that Bazemore appreciates not only what the Atlanta Hawks have done for him, but also the loyalty of Atlanta Hawks fans. He was once an undrafted free agent out of Old Dominion, first signed by the Golden State Warriors before being traded to the Lakers. He was eventually ruled out for the rest of the 2014 season due to a torn tendon in his right foot.
Next: Atlanta Hawks: What's next in free agency?
On September 23, 2014, it was the Atlanta Hawks who picked up Bazemore, with a two-year, $4 million contract. The rest is history.