3. Kent Bazemore, SG/SF, Atlanta Hawks
Kent Bazemore took DeMarre Carroll‘s starting spot with the Hawks after Carroll left for big money in free agency. Bazemore has a similar skill set and he will get paid for it.
He had a breakout season at just the right time, filling the stat sheet and emerging as a legit two-way player.
The 26-year-old swingman averaged 11.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.5 three-point shots made on a slash line of .441/.357/.815.
Bazemore’s an elite athlete which allows to him create second opportunities on the offensive glass or start a fast break on the defensive end.
The Knicks had very few players who can drive the ball at the rim in 2015-16. Bazemore would give them one. He averaged 4.4 drives per game and shot 43.4% on the attempts. Only one Knick averaged more than 3.0 drives per game in 2015-16, Jerian Grant.
Where Bazemore is really a threat is with his defense and his three-point shooting.
Per NBA.com, Baze defended an 8.7 FGAs per game and lowered opponent’s field goal percentage by -2.9%.
Per NBA.com, he was 38.9% on catch and shoot threes and 41.5% on corner threes. With the open looks that would come from playing with Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis, those opportunities would come in bunches.
In this game against the Cavs, Bazemore shows off his full arsenal. He scores in transition, off the bounce, and off the catch, attacks the basket, and plays aggressive defense.
https://youtu.be/SKJg1d2Meno
The Hawks played fast this year and Bazemore thrived in the up-tempo offense. There’s no doubt he would fit in nicely alongside Anthony and Porzingis.
