NBA: The Most Underrated Player On Every Eastern Conference Team

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Apr 16, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Kent Bazemore (24) drives to the basket against the Boston Celtics during the first half in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta Hawks: Kent Bazemore

Position: Small Forward
Years played: 4
2015-16 statistics: 11.6 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 2.3 APG
2015-16 slash line: 44.1/35.7/81.5

Kent Bazemore finally got his name on the map last season in his first year as the primary starter in Atlanta. Bazemore started in 68 of the 75 games he played in during the regular season.

As a result of his play, he earned himself a four-year $70 million deal this summer and will likely become more of a threat within the offense next season.

He took on the role of a 3-and-D player left behind by DeMarre Carroll when he signed with Toronto last summer. Although Bazemore isn’t an elite shooter from beyond the arc, he had one of his better shooting seasons connecting on 35.7 percent of his three’s.

Next season, he will see many more open shots come his way with the addition of Dwight Howard.

Howard will demand much of the defense’s attention and playing alongside Kyle Korver in which the defense will be glued to out on the perimeter, Bazemore’s man will often times be the one who is involved in doubling down low.

Bazemore has claimed multiple times this summer that he is working on becoming more versatile offensively by making plays off the dribble and in on-ball screen actions. If he can do so successfully, it will make him a tough guard for any player.

His effort and energy can easily be overlooked in the big scheme of things. He’ll share a court with Howard and Paul Millsap, two All-Star frontcourt players who are used to getting all the attention on a team.

But make no mistake, Bazemore is a force to be reckoned with.

Next: Boston