Atlanta Hawks: Evaluating Kent Bazemore

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Mar 30, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kent Bazemore (6) battles for the ball with Phoenix Suns guard Archie Goodwin (20) at Staples Center. The Lakers won 115-99. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Hustle and D

Bazemore is quick, scrappy and does what it takes to stop the opposition from scoring, or regain his team the ball. The Hawks got outstanding wing defense from their starters, Kyle Korver and DeMarre Carroll, last season, and their priority this offseason was to find players who would prevent a drop off when those guys go to the bench.

The signing of Bazemore, alongside Thabo Sefolosha, should ensure that this is no longer an issue. Bazemore is 6″5′, with a phenomenal 6″11.5′ wingspan. This means not only is it incredibly difficult for his opponents to get space to shoot around him, or indeed, shoot over him, but also that he’s an active pest when guarding on-ball.

Bazemore’s reach and eye for a steal will punish offenses who lapse in concentration, as his 1.3 steals per game in L.A. highlighted. It’s in this way that Bazemore’s defense becomes his offense; if he’s the recipient of a live ball turnover, he’ll take it straight to the other end and finish.

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