The 2015-2016 Atlanta Hawks have a starting role currently up for grabs. DeMarre Carroll is gone, taking 69 starts at small forward with him. Thabo Sefolosha’s return from injury makes it difficult to project a full season of health from him, the uncertainty surrounding this situation has to be unnerving for an organization that has such lofty expectations this season.
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But, there doesn’t have to be uncertainty. If Sefolosha is not 100 percent by the time opening night rolls around the Hawks have a ready made replacement in their locker room. He’s a fan favorite, his bench celebrations are legendary, and he has the potential to be a lockdown defender that also knocks down open three-pointers. “Three and D”, anyone?
Who is this mystery man? Former Soaring Down South editor, Hawks fan, current Behind the Buck Pass editor in chief and all-around brilliant NBA mind Adam McGee told me on Twitter last week that he expects Kent Bazemore to grab the starting small forward job and not let go. In the offseason I would have found this notion unrealistic, but now I completely agree. Bazemore looks ready.
@SoaringDwnSouth He's going to make that spot his own this season. Hold me to that!
— Adam McGee (@AdamMcGee11) October 7, 2015
Last season his performance was scattered. Still, he showed flashes of potential throughout the season. Bazemore played 75 games last season, only logging 17.7 minutes per game. He averaged 5.2 points, 3 rebounds and 1 assist per game on 42.6 percent shooting and 36.4 percent from outside. He did this while providing intense, if spastic, defense on the perimeter. He also racked up 0.7 steals and 0.4 blocks per game despite his limited time on the court.
With Sefolosha in New York to stand trial last week, Bazemore got the first start at small forward of the preseason, in Wednesday night’s opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He was fantastic. Against the Cavs Bazemore scored 12 points and grabbed 5 rebounds, on 5-for-8 shooting from the floor and 2-for-3 from three-point range. He did all that while being asked to guard LeBron James. James shot 3-for-13 during the game.
Two nights later he would get another start, this time against the New Orleans Pelicans. Once again, he looked great in 20 minutes of action. Bazemore ended the game with 10 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 steals and a block. He shot 2-for-3 from the field and 6-for-7 from the free-throw line. He attacked the basket relentlessly and was an absolute hound on defense. At times Bazemore may get reckless with his decision making, but you can never question his effort.
His improving three-point shot may be his ticket to more playing time. Bazemore is a career 34 percent three-point shooter, but last season’s 36.4 percent mark showed improvement and was slightly above league average. He was even better from the corners, making 42.2 percent of his corner three-pointers last season. Last week Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Bazemore’s improved jumper is raising his stock within the Hawks organization.
"‘I think it’s getting close to where it is second-nature,’ Budenholzer said. ‘I don’t see much hesitation. He is very confident. He has taken advantage of his opportunities. The key is he has to stick with it. If for some reason you miss one or two, you have to understand what you’ve been working on and continue to trust it and believe in it.’"
Bazemore feels good about it as well.
"“I’m trying to expand my game,” Bazemore said. “I’ve still got a little more work to do. I’m trying to be more aggressive in the pick and roll with the ball in my hands. Still working on that. I’m trying to get stronger so I can play through contact. I’ll play at the (small forward) this year a little bit. I’ll be guarded by bigger players. If I can get a little stronger I can use my quickness to my advantage.”"
He may be slightly undersized to play the three, Bazemore is 6-foot-5, but his combination of athleticism and outside shooting ability make his potential extremely intriguing. At the very least Bazemore will take some of the pressure of Sefolosha to completely replace Carroll’s production. It can be a team effort, with each player playing significant minutes.
Mike Budenholzer could then use a “ride the hot hand” approach when deciding who to play during crunch time. If Bazemore is providing an offensive spark then leave him in the game. If Sefolosha is locking down his match-up defensively then let him finish the game. If the Hawks are matched up against an absolutely massive frontcourt then they could even throw out a lineup featuring Paul Millsap at small forward, with Al Horford and Tiago Splitter in the paint. It’s nice to have options.
Sefolosha is expected to return to the court (but it has not been confirmed) Wednesday against the San Antonio Spurs. Expect Mike Budenholzer to start him so he can shake the rust off and the organization can better evaluate his current health. Bazemore will likely replace Justin Holiday as the first wing off the bench. Even if he doesn’t get the starting nod on opening night, look for Bazemore’s minutes and performance to be on the rise this season.
Next: Al Horford: A Hawk for Life
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