Atlanta Hawks: 3 goals for Tyler Dorsey in 2018-19

1. Earn the starting SG spot

Kent Bazemore was in the starting lineup for every game he played last season. He shot a career high 39.4 percent from 3-point range and 42 percent overall. Dorsey started in five games where Bazemore was hurt, but played a significant role in the rest of them as well.

These two players are rather similar when it comes to their play styles. They are both good shooters, athletic and solid defensively. Their per 36 minutes stats from last season are strikingly similar as well. Bazemore averaged 16.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.6 assists per 36 minutes, while Dorsey followed up with 15.0 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.9 assists.

Looking at these numbers, Dorsey looks to be a solid replacement for Bazemore at some point during the season. The Hawks are fully invested in the youth movement and Baze is not likely going to be a part of that, especially because of his large contract. If Dorsey gets a crack at the rotation from the start of the season, it is definitely possible that he catches the eye of head coach Lloyd Pierce. It is also highly likely that the Hawks trade Bazemore for more young assets to aid in the rebuilding process, at which point Dorsey will still have to compete with rookie Kevin Huerter.

Dorsey has the tools to be a starting-caliber shooting guard in the NBA. Next season will be a test for him to see if he can handle the task. If he fends off both Bazemore and Huerter, he could be in store for a very important 2018-19 campaign.