4 ways Kent Bazemore improves the Portland Trail Blazers
By Ty Delbridge
![ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 30: Kent Bazemore #24 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after a basket by John Collins #20 along with drawing a foul from the Portland Trail Blazers at Philips Arena on December 30, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 30: Kent Bazemore #24 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after a basket by John Collins #20 along with drawing a foul from the Portland Trail Blazers at Philips Arena on December 30, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/5dd12954af2cb7fa4ab5f684434085798a86b11087f7508463f93a2df5fc7282.jpg)
1. 3-point shooting
One of the most significant needs for the Blazers this offseason was to add more 3-point shooters on the wing. They have some snipers in Lillard and McCollum, but after that, they don’t really have anyone who can make it consistently. Adding Bazemore — a career 35 percent 3-point shooter — is a considerable upgrade over Turner, who is a poor shooter.
That was the biggest problem for Turner’s fit in Portland, because teams would sag off him when he was out on the 3-point line, and that would make life harder for everyone else on offense. Turner needs the ball in the mid-range or close to the hoop to make an impact.
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Bazemore’s willingness and ability to shoot and make the 3-ball is going to be a breath of fresh air for Terry Stotts and his coaching staff. He can shoot it from spot-ups, catch-and-shoots and even off the dribble. Unlike Turner, Bazemore can confidently hit a step-back 3-point shot. His presence on the floor will open up the Portland offense a lot more.
In his five seasons in Atlanta, Bazemore took a total of 1,277 3-point shots and made a total 453 of them (35.5 percent). For his entire career, Turner has taken a total of 912 3-point shots and has made just 270 of them (29.6 percent).
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Turner does not look or want to shoot it from deep and doesn’t often make it when he does pull it. Kent Bazemore looks and wants to shoot the 3-point shot, and can make it. Even if for some reason he doesn’t bring much else to the organization, having 3-point shooters is critical in today’s NBA, and the Blazers just got better in that area.