Atlanta Hawks: Evaluating Kent Bazemore

It’s almost a week now since Kent Bazemore agreed to sign with the Atlanta Hawks. Bazemore, who thrived with the Lakers towards the tail end of last season, will head to Atlanta on a two-year deal worth $4 million.

The 25-year-old joins Thabo Sefolosha as the Hawks’ second wing acquisition so far this summer, as the team look to plug one of the biggest holes in their roster from last year.

With the Hawks having traded Louis Williams to Toronto, many have mentioned Bazemore as being his direct replacement. That isn’t necessarily true, as the two have different styles, but from Atlanta’s point of view, they may well view Bazemore as a better fit for their system.

Bazemore comes to Atlanta as a very good defender, with potential to grow offensively and a strong work ethic. Combined with his endless energy, the Hawks obviously see Bazemore as a player that coach Mike Budenholzer and his staff can develop and get the best out of.

If that does turn out to be the case, this deal will be viewed as a genuine steal, particularly as a number of other squads were expressing interest too.

So, let’s dig a little bit deeper into Bazemore’s game and see exactly what gives him the potential to fit into the Hawks system.